coi4 nang4才能
Jyutpingcoi4 nang4
Yalechòih nàhng
Definition
Ability, capability, or talent.
neutralpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Focuses specifically on innate aptitude or a developed skill set rather than general competence. It is frequently paired with abstract nouns to define a specific area of expertise, such as artistic or management skills. Unlike general ability, it implies a level of excellence or potential that sets a person apart from others.
Examples
He has great leadership talent, and everyone respects him.
Do you think he has any musical talent?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using it as a direct translation for general ability or skill, as it carries a stronger connotation of natural gift or talent. For everyday tasks or general capacity, use 能力 instead.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
