ポテンシャル
potensharu[po̞tẽ̞ɰ̃ɕa̠ɾɯ̟]
The English word potential can be translated into Japanese as ポテンシャル (potensharu), 潜在力 or 潜在能力.
Meaning: currently unrealized ability (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| ポテンシャル | potensharu | [po̞tẽ̞ɰ̃ɕa̠ɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 潜在力 | senzairyoku | |
| 潜在能力 | senzai nōryoku |
These terms refer to a currently unrealized ability or capacity. Related to these nouns, the adjective 潜在的 can be used to describe something that is existing in possibility.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 潜在力 (senzairyoku) is a combination of 潜在 (latent or hidden) and 力 (power or ability). The term 潜在能力 (senzai nōryoku) is composed of 潜在 (latent or hidden) and 能力 (ability or capacity).
Which one should you use?
While all three terms refer to potential, they differ in tone and context. The katakana loanword ポテンシャル is common in casual conversation, sports or business settings. In contrast, 潜在能力 sounds more formal and academic.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
potensharu
Did you know?
- The kanji 潜 in 潜在能力 literally means 'to dive' or 'to be submerged', evoking the image of an ability hiding beneath the surface of water.
- In many Japanese job advertisements, you will see the phrase ポテンシャル採用 (potensharu saiyo), which translates to 'potential-based hiring'. This is a specific recruitment strategy where companies hire based on future growth rather than existing expertise.
- The term 潜在意識 (senzai ishiki) uses the same 'potential' root 潜在 to refer to the 'subconscious' mind in psychology.
Examples in context
- 教育は、潜在能力を伸ばすことを目的としています。Education aims to develop potential abilities.This sentence shows how to use 潜在能力 in the context of development.Tatoeba #11189209 by bunbuku, translation #19115 by CK
- ポテンシャルを振り絞っているかと言われるとそこまでではない。I'm not at my full potential.This sentence illustrates the use of ポテンシャル to describe one's current level of capacity.Tatoeba #1619672 by mookeee, translation #11257494 by pip
- 彼のポテンシャルは非常に高いです。His potential is very high.
- あいつ、ポテンシャル高いんだよね。That guy has a lot of potential, you know.
- 彼はまだ若いので、ポテンシャルがあります。Kare wa mada wakai node, potensharu ga arimasu.He is still young, so he has potential.
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are discussing a new team member at work.
- 健太 Kenta新人の彼は、ポテンシャルがあると思いますか？Shinjin no kare wa, potensharu ga aru to omoimasu ka?Do you think the new guy has potential?
- 美咲 Misakiはい、まだ慣れていないだけで能力は高いはずです。Hai, mada narete inai dake de nouryoku wa takai hazu desu.Yes, he's just not used to it yet, but his ability should be high.
- 健太 Kentaそうですね。しっかり育ててあげたいです。Sou desu ne. Shikkari sodatete agetai desu.I agree. I want to make sure we develop him well.
- 美咲 Misaki健太さんなら、彼のポテンシャルを引き出せますよ。Kenta-san nara, kare no potensharu o hikidasemasu yo.If it's you, Kenta, you can bring out his potential.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “potential” translations and entries ポテンシャル, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
