Meaning and Usage
"万能" means "all-powerful" or "versatile," describing something or someone capable of doing many things or solving many problems. It often implies a high degree of utility or adaptability.
Common Contexts
It is frequently used to describe tools, people, or solutions that can handle a wide range of tasks or situations. For example, a "万能钥匙" (master key) can open many locks, or a "万能人才" (versatile talent) can perform various jobs.
Collocations and Patterns
- 万能钥匙: master key, used for opening many locks.
- 万能人才: versatile person, skilled in many areas.
- 万能药: cure-all medicine, often used figuratively.
Nuances
While "万能" suggests broad capability, it rarely means literally everything is possible. In some contexts, it can be used ironically or to caution against expecting too much from one thing.
Common Confusion
Don't confuse "万能" with "全能" which also means all-around ability but is more often used for people’s skills or sports abilities. "万能" is broader and can apply to objects and abstract concepts as well.