Meanings of 才干
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About 才干
Podcast: 才干
Podcast: 才干
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AI Study Notes for 才干
才能 (cáinéng) - use 才干 when emphasizing innate abilities and learned skills, while 才能 focuses more on the capacity or talent for specific tasks.
Imagine a person holding a talent (才) in one hand and a tool (干) in the other, ready to build something great. The '才' resembles a person standing with arms raised in talent, while '干' looks like a tool used to accomplish tasks, linking the character to both skill and action.
Common mistakes include confusing '才干' with similar words like '能力' (neng4 li4), which means ability but lacks the nuance of competence in practice. '才干' is generally used in formal contexts, such as job applications or assessments.
As an HSK 6 word, '才干' connects to other advanced vocabulary related to skills and professions, such as '专业' (zhuān yè, specialty) and '技能' (jì néng, skill). Students should focus on context and collocation, especially in professional discussions.
In Chinese culture, '才干' is often associated with the Confucian value of self-cultivation and the belief that one's abilities should be developed and displayed, particularly in the workplace and education.
Learners often misuse '才干' in contexts better suited for '能力'. For instance, saying '我没有才干做这个' (I don't have the ability to do this) is incorrect; it should be '我没有能力做这个' to focus on general ability.
Pronunciation of 才干
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Component Characters
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Grammar Patterns of 才干
才干 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.
Complete the Sentence
他作为一位睿智、具备政治家____的州长而广受尊崇。
He was widely respected as a wise and statesmanlike governor.
Example Sentences for 才干 (2)
Cultural Notes for 才干
In Chinese culture, '才干' is often associated with the Confucian value of self-cultivation and the belief that one's abilities should be developed and displayed, particularly in the workplace and education.
Frequently Asked Questions about 才干
'才干' is typically used in more formal or professional contexts, so it may sound out of place in casual conversations.