Mnemonic
Inside a tent at the circus, a performer holds a spoon up to the moonlight streaming in, then bends another spoon with his mind alone. The crowd gasps at his ability—no one has ever seen telekinesis performed live!
Additional thoughts
Two spoons bookend the moon in the kanji's structure. Picture the big-top tent overhead, moonlight pouring through, and the supernatural talent of bending metal. The double-spoon imagery reinforces that there are two spoon radicals.Quick recall
Under a tent, a spoon catches moonlight and a second spoon bends—sheer ability.Details
The keyword for 能 is ability. This kanji refers to one's inherent capacity, talent, or skill to accomplish something. It conveys the idea of being capable or having the competence to perform a task or function. In broader usage, it encompasses notions of potential, effectiveness, and the power to achieve results.
- On'yomi
- のう
- Kun'yomi
- よ.く、あた.う