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March 24, 2026
本领(本領)běnlǐng(ben3ling3)
本领 refers to a person's skill, ability, or capability in a specific area. It is commonly used to describe someone's proficiency in tasks or professions, often implying a certain level of expertise. The term can be used in both formal and informal contexts to highlight competence.
Frequency#11918DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, having a strong 本领 is often associated with respect and social status. Mastery of skills is highly valued, and individuals are frequently judged by their capabilities in both personal and professional settings.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'pen' (本) in your hand that gives you the 'power' (领) to write beautifully. The character 本 represents a foundation, while 领 can be visualized as a leader using their skills to guide others. Together, they depict the mastery of skills that allows one to lead.
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AI Study Notes for 本领
Quick Contrast
技能 (jìnéng) vs 能力 (nénglì): Choose 本领 when emphasizing a specific skill or expertise, while 技能 refers more broadly to skills learned through practice, and 能力 denotes general ability or capacity.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'pen' (本) in your hand that gives you the 'power' (领) to write beautifully. The character 本 represents a foundation, while 领 can be visualized as a leader using their skills to guide others. Together, they depict the mastery of skills that allows one to lead.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 本领 with similar terms like 技能 (jìnéng), which specifically refers to technical skills. 本领 has a broader application, encompassing overall abilities. Be cautious with tone; mispronouncing either character can change the meaning significantly.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 本领 connects with other words about skill and capability, such as 能力 (nénglì) and 技能 (jìnéng). Students should focus on using 本领 in sentences that describe their own abilities or the skills of others.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, having a strong 本领 is often associated with respect and social status. Mastery of skills is highly valued, and individuals are frequently judged by their capabilities in both personal and professional settings.
Common Mistakes
Students often mix up 本领 with 能力, leading to sentences like '他的能力很高' instead of '他的本领很高.' While both can be correct, 本领 emphasizes specific skills more than 能力.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 本领
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Grammar Patterns of 本领
本领 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
In Chinese culture, having a strong 本领 is often associated with respect and social status. Mastery of skills is highly valued, and individuals are frequently judged by their capabilities in both personal and professional settings.
Frequently Asked Questions about 本领
You can say, '他的本领非常高,' meaning 'His skills are very high.'
It can be used in both contexts, but be mindful of the audience when discussing someone's abilities.
No, it can refer to any type of skill, including intellectual, artistic, and social abilities.
