能

Core semantic value is capability or power. This manifests in three primary modes: innate/physical capacity, circumstantial possibility (external conditions allowing an action), and permission. It also functions nominally as “capacity,” “talent,” or “competence.”

Operates primarily as a modal verb of capacity, but can function nominally or attributively, particularly in contexts involving merit or governance.

Contrasted with 會 (huì): 能 typically denotes innate capacity, raw power, or circumstantial possibility, whereas 會 implies an acquired skill, learned technique, or knowledge gained through study.

Originally depicted a bear; this graphic origin informs the semantic trajectory from physical strength to general capacity and finally to abstract possibility.

In very early texts, the glyph may retain a closer proximity to "power" or "strength" before shifting toward its more abstract modal usage.