能 vs 能够 (néng vs nénggòu): when to use the formal 'can'
能 and 能够 both mean 'can' or 'be able to', but 能够 is the formal, emphatic disyllabic form. 能 is used in everyday spoken language and can also express permission, while 能够 is reserved for written or formal contexts and emphasizes capability. Choosing between them depends on register: use 能 for casual speech, 能够 for official writing or to stress ability.
能 (néng) is the standard, neutral word for expressing ability, possibility, or permission in everyday Chinese. 能够 (nénggòu) is its formal, disyllabic counterpart, used primarily in written language, official statements, or when emphasizing capability. While both cover the core meaning of 'can' or 'be able to', 能够 is less common in spoken conversation and is rarely used for permission. The choice is mainly a matter of register: 能 is the go-to for casual speech, while 能够 adds a tone of formality or emphasis.
When to use each
Use 能 in everyday spoken Chinese to express ability ('can'), possibility ('it can happen'), or permission ('may'). It is the default choice in informal contexts, questions, and negatives. For example, '我能帮你' (I can help you) or '你能来吗？' (Can you come?).
能 can also be used to ask for or give permission in casual speech, though 可以 is more precise for that meaning.
Use 能够 in formal writing (reports, news, academic texts), official speeches, or when you want to emphasize a person’s capability or the feasibility of an action. It is not used for permission. For example, '我们能够克服困难' (We are able to overcome difficulties) sounds more formal and emphatic than using 能.
能够 is rarely used in negative sentences; 不能 is the standard negative for both ability and permission. When negating 能够 in formal text, 不能够 is possible but uncommon.
At a glance
| 能 | 能够 | |
|---|---|---|
| Register | Neutral / informal | Formal / literary |
| Common in spoken language | Very common | Rare (sounds stiff) |
| Used for permission | Yes (informal) | No |
| Used for possibility | Yes | Yes, but formal |
| Emphasis on ability | Neutral | Stronger emphasis |
| Negation | 不能 | 不能够 (rare) |
Examples
- 能我能说中文。Wǒ néng shuō Zhōngwén.I can speak Chinese.Everyday statement; 能 is natural here.
- 能够我们能够完成这个项目。Wǒmen nénggòu wánchéng zhège xiàngmù.We are able to complete this project.Formal context; 能够 emphasizes capability.
- 能你能帮我拿一下吗？Nǐ néng bāng wǒ ná yīxià ma?Can you help me hold this?请求帮助，口语常用能
- 能够通过努力，他能够实现梦想。Tōngguò nǔlì, tā nénggòu shíxiàn mèngxiǎng.Through hard work, he is able to realize his dreams.正式书面语，强调能力
- 能我不能去，因为太忙了。Wǒ bù néng qù, yīnwèi tài máng le.I can't go because I'm too busy.否定句只能用不能，不能说✗不能够
Common mistakes
- Using 能够 in casual spoken sentences makes you sound overly formal or stiff; stick with 能.
- Using 能够 to ask for permission (e.g., '*我能够进来吗？') is unnatural; use 能 or 可以 instead.
- Negating with 不能够 in everyday speech is rare and awkward; use 不能 instead.
- Forcing 能够 into short, simple statements like '*你能够说中文吗？' is unnecessary; 能 is better.
FAQ
- When do I use 能 vs 能够?
- Use 能 for everyday speech, permission, and general ability. Use 能够 in formal writing, speeches, or when emphasizing capability. For example, '我能帮你' (casual) vs '我能够为你提供帮助' (formal).
- Can I use 能够 in negative sentences?
- Although 不能够 exists, it is rare. In both formal and informal contexts, the negative of both 能 and 能够 is simply 不能. For example, '他不能来' (He can’t come) is correct; '他不能够来' is unnatural.
- Is there a difference in meaning between 能 and 能够?
- No, their core meaning is the same: 'can' or 'be able to'. The difference is stylistic. 能够 is slightly more emphatic and formal, but in practice they are interchangeable when register allows.
- Can 能 and 能够 both mean 'may' (permission)?
- Only 能 can express permission in informal contexts (e.g., '我能用你的笔吗？'). 能够 is never used for permission; use 可以 instead for clear permission.