Mandarin TempleMandarin Temple Beta Come for Knowledge. Stay for Wisdom.
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
能源 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
能源néngyuánenergyHSK 6, n, rank #4953, Hard
能源néngyuánpower sourceHSK 6, n, rank #4953, Hard
能源néngyuán>个[gè]HSK 6, n, rank #4953, Hard
néngyuán(neng2yuan2) T2
  1. 1energy
  2. 2power source
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
能源néngyuán(neng2yuan2)

能源 refers to energy or power sources used in various contexts, such as electricity, fuels, and other forms of energy production. It is commonly used in discussions about environmental issues, technology, and economics, especially regarding sustainable energy sources.

Frequency#4953DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In China, the emphasis on renewable 能源 reflects the country's commitment to addressing pollution and climate change, especially in urban areas where energy demand is high. Understanding this term is crucial for discussions about China's energy policies.

Memory Tip

Imagine a giant battery (能) powering a large city (源) with energy flowing from it. The character 能 resembles a battery, and 源 can be seen as a source of water, symbolizing the flow of energy.

Meanings of 能源

néngyuán(neng2yuan2)
1energy
2power source
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 能源

能源Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#4953Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 能源

JasonAmy

Podcast: 能源

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 能源

Quick Contrast

可再生能源 (kě zàishēng néngyuán) vs 非再生能源 (fēi zàishēng néngyuán) — use 能源 for general energy sources, while 可再生能源 specifically refers to renewable energy sources.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a giant battery (能) powering a large city (源) with energy flowing from it. The character 能 resembles a battery, and 源 can be seen as a source of water, symbolizing the flow of energy.

Usage Notes

This term is often used in scientific, environmental, and economic discussions, so it's typically more formal. Be cautious with the tone; ensure you pronounce the second character (源) clearly, as mispronunciation can lead to confusion with similar-sounding words.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 5 word, 能源 connects well with other terms related to energy and environment, such as 太阳能 (solar energy) and 可再生能源 (renewable energy). Focus on vocabulary related to energy when studying this term to enhance comprehension.

Cultural Note

In China, the emphasis on renewable 能源 reflects the country's commitment to addressing pollution and climate change, especially in urban areas where energy demand is high. Understanding this term is crucial for discussions about China's energy policies.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 能源 with 能力 (ability), leading to sentences like '我有很多能源' (I have a lot of abilities), which should be corrected to '我有很多能力'.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 能源

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 能源 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Component Characters

能néngto be able to
HSK 110 strokes⺼
View full entry
源yuánroot
HSK 513 strokes氵
View full entry

Write 能源

能
源

Practice writing 能源 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar Patterns of 能源

能源 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 3 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.

Related grammar lessons3
Exercise 1 of 3

Complete the Sentence

现急需煤炭、石油、电力及其他____。

Coal, petroleum, electricity, and other energy sources are urgently needed.

Example Sentences for 能源 (6)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
必须在可行的地方使用可再生能源。

bì xū zài kě háng de dì fāng shǐ yòng kě zài shēng néng yuán。

Renewable sources of energy must be used where practical.
2
该委员会中安插进了几位来自能源生产州的成员。

gāi wěi yuán huì zhōng ān chā jìn le jī wèi lái zì néng yuán shēng chǎn zhōu de chéng yuán。

The committee is stacked with members from energy-producing states.
3
用来指称波尔多葡萄酒的词claret可能源于法语单词clairet。

yòng lái zhǐ chēng bō ěr duō pú táo jiǔ de cíclaret claret kě néng yuán yú fǎ yǔ dānclairet。

The term "claret", used to describe Bordeaux wines, may come from the French word "clairet".
4
能源价格一直维持低水平，所以能源利用效率很低。

néng yuán jià gé yī zhí wéi chí dī shuǐ píng， ， suǒ yǐ néng yuán lì yòng xiào shuài hěn。

Energy prices have been kept low, so energy is used inefficiently.
5
巴西称其宪法禁止个人占有能源资产。

bā xī chēng qí xiàn fǎ jīn zhǐ gè rén zhān yǒu néng yuán zī chǎn。

Brazil says its constitution forbids the private ownership of energy assets.
6
就石油能源而言, 我们愈节省愈好.

jiù shí yóu néng yuán ér yán, , wǒ mén yù jié shěng yù.

As far as oil energy is concerned, we cannot be too frugal.

Cultural Notes for 能源

🏮Cultural insight

In China, the emphasis on renewable 能源 reflects the country's commitment to addressing pollution and climate change, especially in urban areas where energy demand is high. Understanding this term is crucial for discussions about China's energy policies.

Frequently Asked Questions about 能源

Examples of 能源 include electricity used in homes, gasoline for cars, and solar energy collected by panels.