Usage of "能够"
"能够" is a modal verb used to express the ability or possibility to do something. It is often interchangeable with "能" but tends to sound more formal or emphatic.
Common contexts
It is frequently used to talk about skills, capacities, or potential to complete tasks or actions, such as "能够说三种语言" (able to speak three languages).
Collocations and patterns
- "能够 + verb": expresses capability or possibility.
- Often appears in questions about feasibility, e.g., "能够完成吗？" (Can [someone] complete it?).
- Used in conditional or result clauses, e.g., "才能够" (only then can).
Nuances
"能够" emphasizes the actual ability or possibility, sometimes implying conditions or effort needed. It is more formal than "能" and less casual in daily speech.
Common confusion
Do not confuse "能够" with "可以" which often means permission or possibility rather than ability. "能够" focuses on capability rather than allowance.