by ChapGPT 4o (2024/06)
Basics
The words "能够" (nénggòu) and "能" (néng) both express the ability or capability to do something, but they have slight differences in usage and connotation.
能 (néng):
- Basic meaning: "Can" or "be able to."
- Usage: It is often used to indicate general ability or permission. It's a more common and straightforward way to express capability.
- Examples:
- 我能游泳。(Wǒ néng yóuyǒng.) — I can swim.
- 你能帮我吗？(Nǐ néng bāng wǒ ma?) — Can you help me?
能够 (nénggòu):
- Basic meaning: "Can," "be able to," or "be capable of."
- Usage: It often implies a higher degree of ability or potential. It can also emphasize the capability more strongly than "能." It is slightly more formal and can also be used to express a conditional capability or possibility.
- Examples:
- 他能够完成这个任务。(Tā nénggòu wánchéng zhège rènwù.) — He is able to complete this task.
- 只有努力学习，才能够取得好成绩。(Zhǐ yǒu nǔlì xuéxí, cái nénggòu qǔdé hǎo chéngjì.) — Only by studying hard can you achieve good grades.
Summary
In summary, while both "能" and "能够" indicate ability, "能够" is often used to stress the capability or potential more than "能." "能" is more common in everyday conversation, whereas "能够" might be used in more formal contexts or to emphasize the extent of the ability.
