B1 noun Neutral

潜力

tɕʰjɛn˧˥ li˥˩

Latent qualities or abilities that may be developed and lead to future success or usefulness. Often used in discussions about economic growth or student achievement.

Examples

3 of 5
1

老师发现了她的艺术潜力。

The teacher discovered her artistic potential.

2

该地区具有巨大的旅游开发潜力。

The region has huge potential for tourism development.

3

我觉得你很有潜力,别放弃。

I think you have a lot of potential, don't give up.

Word Family

Noun
潜力
Adjective
潜在的
💡

Memory Tip

Qián (潜 - hidden/underwater) + Lì (力 - strength). Hidden strength.

Quick Quiz

这个新产品在市场上非常有___。

Correct!

The correct answer is: 潜力

Examples

1

老师发现了她的艺术潜力。

everyday

The teacher discovered her artistic potential.

2

该地区具有巨大的旅游开发潜力。

formal

The region has huge potential for tourism development.

3

我觉得你很有潜力,别放弃。

informal

I think you have a lot of potential, don't give up.

4

研究显示,这种新材料具有广泛的应用潜力。

academic

Research shows that this new material has wide application potential.

5

我们需要评估该市场的增长潜力。

business

We need to assess the growth potential of this market.

Word Family

Noun
潜力
Adjective
潜在的

Common Collocations

发挥潜力 to realize/exert one's potential
挖掘潜力 to tap into/unearth potential
巨大的潜力 huge potential
市场潜力 market potential
潜在的 potential (adjective)

Common Phrases

潜力股

a person or thing with great potential (slang from stock market)

开发潜力

to develop potential

富有潜力

to be rich in potential

Often Confused With

潜力 vs 能力

Nénglì refers to current ability, while qiánlì refers to hidden ability that could be developed.

📝

Usage Notes

Commonly used with verbs like '发挥' (exert) or '挖掘' (dig/tap).

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Using '潜力' to describe something that is already fully manifested.

💡

Memory Tip

Qián (潜 - hidden/underwater) + Lì (力 - strength). Hidden strength.

📖

Word Origin

From '潜' (to hide) and '力' (power).

Grammar Patterns

有/具有 + 潜力 发挥/挖掘 + 潜力

Quick Quiz

这个新产品在市场上非常有___。

Correct!

The correct answer is: 潜力

Related Phrases

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