nang4能
Jyutpingnang4
Yalenàhng
Definition
Energy.
colloquialotherdescriptions
How it's used
While 能 is a common morpheme for energy in scientific terms like 熱能 or 動能, it also functions as a suffix in colloquial speech to describe personal capability or efficiency. When used to describe a person, it often carries a slightly sarcastic or critical tone if the negative form 冇能 is used. It is distinct from the Mandarin usage where 能 acts as a modal verb for ability, which in Cantonese is usually expressed by 識 or 能夠.
Examples
This machine is very energy-efficient and doesn't use much electricity.
You are so incompetent at work, how can you possibly get things done?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 能 with 能夠 when trying to express ability. In Cantonese, 能夠 is a formal word mostly used in writing, whereas in spoken conversation, 識 or 得 are the natural choices for expressing capability.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
