潜力

qián lì

latent capacity; potential

HSK Level 6

Example Sentences

Synonyms

潜能 (qiánnéng)

potential

潜质 (qiánzhì)

potential

Antonyms

弱点 (ruò diǎn)

weakness

缺陷 (quē xiàn)

defect

Etymology & Components

The Chinese word 潜力 (qǔliàng) is composed of two characters: 潜 (qián) and 力 (lì). 潜 means "hidden" or "latent", while 力 means "strength" or "power". Together, they form the concept of "hidden strength" or "potential".The word 潜力 was first used in the late 19th century, during the Qing Dynasty. It was coined by the Chinese scholar and reformer Liang Qichao, who was inspired by the English word "potential". Liang Qichao used the word 潜力 to describe the hidden potential of the Chinese people, and to encourage them to realize their full potential.Since then, the word 潜力 has become a common word in Chinese, and it is used in a variety of contexts. It can be used to describe the potential of a person, a group of people, or even a country. It can also be used to describe the potential of a resource, such as oil or gas.The word 潜力 is a powerful word, and it can be used to inspire people to achieve great things. It is a reminder that we all have the potential to be great, and that we should never give up on our dreams.

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