功能: meaning, pinyin, and usage

Understanding "功能" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 功能
• Pinyin: gōngnéng
• Literal Meaning: “merit/work” + “ability/capability”
• Primary Meaning: function; feature; capability (what something can do or is designed to do)

2. In-depth Explanation

• Context and Usage: 功能 is the standard word for the function or feature of a device, app, system, tool, or body organ. It answers “What does this do?” or “What is it for?” You will see it constantly in product descriptions, user manuals, software menus, and medical or scientific writing. It is more concrete and technical than abstract words like “role” or “purpose,” though those ideas overlap. Common patterns include 有……功能 (“have the function of…”), 主要功能 (“main function”), and 多功能 (“multi-function”). It is neutral in tone and suitable in both spoken and written Chinese. Do not use it for a person’s job title or social role; for that, words like 工作, 职责, or 角色 are more natural.
• Character Breakdown: 功 originally relates to achievement, merit, skill, or effective work (as in 成功 “success” and 功夫 “skill/effort”). 能 means ability, capability, or “can” (as in 能力 “ability” and 能够 “to be able to”). Together they mean the ability of something to perform a particular kind of work—its function.

3. Example Sentences

• Chinese: 这个手机有很多实用的功能。
• Pinyin: Zhège shǒujī yǒu hěn duō shíyòng de gōngnéng.

• English: This phone has many practical features.

• Chinese: 这个软件的主要功能是编辑照片。

• Pinyin: Zhège ruǎnjiàn de zhǔyào gōngnéng shì biānjí zhàopiàn.

• English: The main function of this software is to edit photos.

• Chinese: 肝脏的功能是帮助身体过滤血液。

• Pinyin: Gānzàng de gōngnéng shì bāngzhù shēntǐ guòlǜ xuèyè.
• English: The function of the liver is to help the body filter blood.

Cultural Notes (if applicable)

In modern Chinese, 功能 is especially common in technology and consumer culture. Ads and manuals often highlight 多功能 products—items that do several jobs, such as a multi-function printer. The word also appears in everyday health talk (器官功能 “organ function”) and in public spaces (功能区 “functional zone,” such as a dining area or quiet study area). Learners who use phones and apps in Chinese will meet 功能 very early, often in settings menus labeled simply 功能.

Conclusion

Remember 功能 (gōngnéng) as “what something can do”: a feature of a phone, a function of software, or the job of an organ. Think “work + ability,” and use it whenever you describe a practical function rather than a person’s social role.

Sources and Further Reading

• MDBG Chinese Dictionary: 功能
• Wiktionary: 功能
• HSK vocabulary reference dataset

Dictionary links are provided for independent reference. Example sentences and learning notes on this page are educational explanations rather than dictionary quotations.