Meaning and Usage
"有能" (ゆうのう) means "capable," "competent," or "efficient." It is often used to describe people who have skills or abilities that allow them to perform tasks well, especially in professional or leadership contexts.
Common Contexts
You will frequently hear "有能" when talking about employees, leaders, or anyone recognized for their skills and effectiveness. It carries a positive nuance, implying reliability and proficiency.
Collocations and Patterns
- 有能な人 (ゆうのうなひと): a capable person
- 有能なリーダー (ゆうのうなりーだー): a capable leader
- 有能である (ゆうのうである): to be capable
These collocations emphasize the person's ability and are common in both formal and informal speech.
Register and Nuance
"有能" is neutral to slightly formal and is appropriate in business settings, evaluations, and polite conversations. It is less common in casual talk where simpler words like "上手" (じょうず) might be used.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "有能" with just "上手" (skilled) or "強い" (strong). "有能" specifically highlights overall capability and efficiency, not just skill in one area. Use it when you want to praise someone's general competence or effectiveness.