Sinograph Addenda · Signs

能able · néng · can, to be able

able

Where it comes from

The sign lists draw a bear: head at the upper left, body of meat, two clawed legs stacked on the right. Strength on four paws was lent to the idea “can, is able” so early that the loan became permanent — the bear later had to grow a new character (the same graph over fire-dots) to stay an animal. Taught in the can-get-want chapter.

How to remember it

Find the bear in the strokes: a snout at the upper left, the moon-shaped flesh sign 月moon · yuè · the moon; a month for its body, two claws stacked on the right. Strong as a bear: able.

In the wild