能 Kanji – ability
The Japanese kanji 能 can mean ability, talent, skill, capacity.
Meaning and Readings
How is 能 read?
能 has the onyomi reading ノウ and the kunyomi reading よく.
In romaji, these readings can be written as nou, yoku.
Common Japanese Words Using 能
These common Japanese words contain 能. Select linked kanji to explore their meanings and readings.
- 可能（かのう） — possible, potential, practicable, feasible
- 可能性（かのうせい） — potentiality, likelihood, possibility, chance
- 可能性が高い（かのうせいがたかい） — very likely, very probable
- 堪能（たんのう） — proficient, skilled, skillful, good, accomplished
- 機能（きのう） — function, facility, faculty, feature
- 技能（ぎのう） — technical skill, ability, capacity
- 芸能（げいのう） — public entertainment, performing arts
- 芸能人（げいのうじん） — entertainer, performer, celebrity, entertainment personality
- 効能（こうのう） — effect, effectiveness, efficacy, virtue, benefit
- 高性能（こうせいのう） — high efficiency, high performance