能(のう)

のう
noun
Noh, ability, talent
1. Noh (theater)
A form of classical Japanese musical drama.
能(のう)を鑑賞(かんしょう)する。
To appreciate Noh theater.
能(のう)の舞台(ぶたい)を見(み)た。
I saw a Noh performance.
京都(きょうと)で能(のう)を見(み)に行(い)った。
I went to see Noh in Kyoto.
2. ability, talent, skill
The capacity to do something well.
能(のう)のない人(ひと)。
An incompetent person.
能(のう)ある鷹(たか)は爪(つめ)を隠(かく)す。
A skilled hawk hides its talons. (Still waters run deep)
Proverb
能(のう)がないと言(い)われた。
I was told I have no talent.

能(のう) has two distinct meanings: Noh theater (a traditional art form) and ability/talent.

SENSE 1 — NOH THEATER:

A classical Japanese performing art combining dance, music, and drama, dating back to the 14th century. Performers wear distinctive masks and elaborate costumes.

  • 能楽(のうがく): Noh theater (formal term)
  • 能面(のうめん): Noh mask
  • 能舞台(のうぶたい): Noh stage
  • 能楽堂(のうがくどう): Noh theater building

SENSE 2 — ABILITY/TALENT:

Mainly appears in compounds and set phrases rather than standalone.

  • 能力(のうりょく): ability, capability
  • 才能(さいのう): talent
  • 無能(むのう): incompetent, useless
  • 能(のう)がない: to lack ability

PROVERB:
能(のう)ある鷹(たか)は爪(つめ)を隠(かく)す — a capable hawk hides its talons (talented people don't show off; similar to "still waters run deep").

general
Added 2026.1.9 21:30 · Revised 2026.3.28 16:51
01500/01927_nou