能

能 was originally a pictograph, depicting a large animal with legs. The two 匕 components on the right side are thought to represent limbs.

Scholars have debated which animal it represents. The most common interpretation is that it depicts a bear, since 熊 (bear, 웅) incorporates 能 in its structure. In this reading, 能 was originally the base form of 熊.

Later, the character was borrowed for the abstract sense “to be able, capable.” From this, it developed into the modern meanings of ability, competence, talent.

Notably, 能 is most often used when the ability in question implies doing something difficult or impressive, or regaining a lost ability.

In modern Korean, 능 (能) is central in words relating to capacity and ability:

능력 (能力) – ability, capability

가능 (可能) – possibility, feasible

재능 (才能) – talent, gift

성능 (性能) – performance (of a machine or device)

무능 (無能) – incompetence

유능 (有能) – competent, talented

In Old Korean and Middle Korean, 能 was usually read as “siryeo” or “siryeogom,” under the influence of 得 (silheo, “to be able, to obtain”).