Meaning and Usage
"能干" (néng gàn) is an adjective used to describe someone who is capable, competent, and efficient in handling tasks or responsibilities. It often praises a person's practical skills and reliability in work or daily life.
Common Contexts
This word is frequently used in professional or social contexts to highlight someone's ability to manage complex or demanding situations. It carries a positive connotation and implies trustworthiness and skill.
Collocations and Patterns
- 能干的人 (nénggàn de rén): capable person
- 非常能干 (fēicháng nénggàn): very capable
- 能干的经理 (nénggàn de jīnglǐ): capable manager
These collocations emphasize the person's competence and are often used in formal or semi-formal speech.
Nuances
While "能干" focuses on practical ability and effectiveness, it is different from "聪明" (cōngmíng), which means intelligent or clever. A person can be intelligent but not necessarily能干 if they lack practical skills or diligence.
Common Confusion
Avoid confusing "能干" with "能干" as a verb phrase meaning "to be able to do" something. Here, "能干" is strictly an adjective describing capability, not a verb construction.