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March 24, 2026
性能xìngnéng(xing4neng2)
性能 refers to the capabilities or performance of an object, often used in technical contexts such as electronics or machinery. It describes how well something operates or fulfills its intended purpose, highlighting features like speed, efficiency, and reliability.
Frequency#15036DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In modern Chinese society, the concept of 性能 is particularly relevant in discussions about technology and innovation, reflecting the country's emphasis on advancements in manufacturing and electronics.
Memory Tip
Think of 性能 as the 'nature' (性) and 'ability' (能) of something. Imagine a car's performance where 性 represents its inherent qualities and 能 signifies its power to function efficiently, like a racing car zooming on a track.
Meanings of 性能
xìngnéng(xing4neng2)
1function
2performance
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 性能
性能Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#15036Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 性能
Podcast: 性能
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AI Study Notes for 性能
Quick Contrast
性能 (xìngnéng) vs 功能 (gōngnéng) — choose 性能 when emphasizing performance and efficiency, while 功能 focuses on the functions or features an object provides.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 性能 as the 'nature' (性) and 'ability' (能) of something. Imagine a car's performance where 性 represents its inherent qualities and 能 signifies its power to function efficiently, like a racing car zooming on a track.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 性能 with 质量 (quality), as they refer to different aspects of an item. 性能 is typically used in technical or formal discussions, while its collocations might include '性能测试' (performance test) and '性能评估' (performance evaluation).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 性能 connects with other technical vocabulary that describes performance and capabilities. Focus on using it in sentences that discuss technology or products to solidify its meaning and context.
Cultural Note
In modern Chinese society, the concept of 性能 is particularly relevant in discussions about technology and innovation, reflecting the country's emphasis on advancements in manufacturing and electronics.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mix up 性能 with 功能 (function), which refers more to the features or roles of an object rather than its performance. For example, saying '这台电脑的功能很强' (The computer's performance is strong) should be corrected to '这台电脑的性能很强'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 性能
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Grammar Patterns of 性能
性能 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 2 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
上校命令道：“尽快给我找两台____好的发动机来。”
The colonel ordered, "I want two good engines down here asap."
The camera combines rugged reliability with unequalled optical performance and speed.
10
不过，这种车即使在干燥路面上也表现出了良好的抓地性能。
bù guò， ， zhè zhǒng chē jí shǐ zài gān zào lù miàn shàng yě biǎo xiàn chū le liáng hǎo de zhuā dì xìng。
Such cars, however, do grip the road well, even in the dry.
Cultural Notes for 性能
🏮Cultural insight
In modern Chinese society, the concept of 性能 is particularly relevant in discussions about technology and innovation, reflecting the country's emphasis on advancements in manufacturing and electronics.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, performance often conveys more subjective qualities, like user experience, whereas 性能 tends to focus on measurable and objective capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions about 性能
You can say '这款手机的性能非常好' (The performance of this phone is very good).
No, 性能 can also describe the performance of systems, software, and even human capabilities in specific contexts.
