Ability and capability with 能
The etymology of 能 suggests a meaning of ability or capability.
From this core sense of natural capability, the meanings extend to skill, talent, function, and the potential to do something (expressing can or possible).
Etymology
This kanji is a pictogram originally depicting a bear. The character shows two paws (represented by elements resembling 匕) and a face with an open mouth (stylized as 月). You’ll also find 能 as the central part of 熊, the kanji for bear.
Mnemonics
Bears exemplify ability and capability: they have remarkable physical prowess, strength, and versatility. They are able to climb, swim, run, and manipulate objects with dexterity. The bear reflects the potential to do something (can, possible).
Common Words
能力: Ability
能力 means ability, capability, or capacity. It refers to the power or skill to do something, whether physical, mental, or learned. This word emphasizes inherent or developed capabilities.
It combines 能 (ability) with 力 (power) to show capability or capacity.
Conan finds himself in the clutches of dangerous pair, only to discover it’s his parents in disguise. Testing one's detective ability with 能力
才能: Talent
才能 means talent, gift, or natural ability. It refers to an innate aptitude or exceptional skill in a particular area, often suggesting something one is born with rather than purely learned.
It combines 才 (talent) with 能 (ability) to show natural talent or gifted ability.
During a free day from training, Touwata and Mizubashou approach Tsubaki to request a favor. She would like Tsubaki to challenge Benisumomo to a one-on-one fight. Underutilized talent with 才能
本能: Instinct
本能 means instinct or innate behavior. It refers to natural, automatic responses or behaviors that are not learned but are inherent to a species or individual.
It combines 本 (origin) with 能 (ability) to show innate capability.
Yui and her friends are on their secret base when a pigeon flies in and lands on the table between them. The group’s cat, Colonel Monochrome, leaps after it, but the pigeon escapes. A cat's natural instinct with 本能
無能: Incompetence
無能 means incompetent, incapable, or ineffectual. It describes a lack of ability, skill, or effectiveness in performing tasks or fulfilling responsibilities.
It combines 無 (nothing) with 能 (ability) to show lack of ability or incompetence.
Police detective Yokomizo isn’t about to let Sasai, his prime murder suspect, leave. Sasai reminds the officer that he has photographic proof that he wasn’t near the victim at the time of the murder. He calls for Detective Mouri to back him up. An incompetent officer with 無能
超能力: Psychic power
超能力 means psychic power, supernatural ability, or ESP. It refers to abilities that exceed normal human capabilities, such as telekinesis, telepathy, or precognition.
It combines 超 (exceed), 能 (ability), and 力 (power) to show superhuman or extraordinary power.
Nishikata and Takagi compete to see who can score higher on the long jump in physical education class. When Nishika lands his jump, he’s a bit shaky. He watches as the spectating Takagi sweeps her arms as if to knock him over, and he falls back, lowering his score. Takagi gives her condolences afterward. Psychic power in gym class with 超能力
有能: Competent
有能 means competent, capable, or talented. It describes someone who possesses ability, skill, and effectiveness in their work or field. The opposite of 無能.
It combines 有 (have) with 能 (ability) to show possessing ability or competence.
Detective Mouri is invited as a special guest to the birthday party for Reika, daughter of the Yotsui Group’s chairman. At the event, Reika announces her intent to marry. 有能 used here refers to the men having ability or skill in their fields, an important trait for the daughter of a business conglomerate. Promising suitors with 有能
万能: Almighty
万能 means almighty, all-purpose, or omnipotent. It describes something or someone with universal capability, able to handle any situation or perform any function.
It combines 万 (ten thousand) with 能 (ability) to show unlimited ability or versatility.
Urushi asks Rin about what Ayumu was like in middle school. In this context, 万能 refers to being an “all-round athlete”. An all-around athlete with 万能
機能: Function
機能 means function, capability, or feature. It refers to the purpose or role that something serves, or a specific operation that a device, system, or organism can perform.
It combines 機 (machine) with 能 (ability) to show mechanical capability or function.
A murder suspect explains how when he called the victim, the phone kept ringing until the answering machine picked up. 機能 refers to the mechanical function of the answering machine. Answering machine functionality with 機能
性能: Performance
性能 means performance, capability, or specifications. It refers to the functional characteristics or operating capacity of machines, devices, or systems, often measured objectively.
It combines 性 (nature) with 能 (ability) to show inherent capability or performance characteristics.
Professor Agasa gives Conan a tracking device. He eagerly looks for an opportunity to see how it works. Tracking device performance with 性能
可能: Possible
可能 means possible, feasible, or capable of being done. It indicates that something can be accomplished or is within the realm of possibility. Often used with forms of する or as a な-adjective.
It combines 可 (can) with 能 (ability) to show capability or possibility.
After handing test results to class, the teacher talks about theories of time travel. Possibility of building a time machine with 可能
芸能: Entertainment
芸能 means entertainment, performing arts, or show business. It encompasses various forms of artistic performance including music, theater, comedy, and other stage arts.
It combines 芸 (art) with 能 (skill) to show artistic skill or performance ability.