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Hi there! This week on Ask a Teacher, we answer a question about the difference between the words “ability” and “capability.”
你好啊！本周《名师答疑》，我们回答ability和capability有什么区别。
Hello VOA Ask a Teacher, I am Lyla from China.
美国之音《名师答疑》栏目，你好，我是来自中国的莉拉。
I am confused about “ability” and “capability.”
我对ability和capability的意思感到困惑。
I looked them up in the dictionary, but I still can't tell them apart.
我查了字典，但还是分不清这两个词。
Can you explain the difference?
你能解释一下它们的不同之处吗？
Thanks, and best regards, Lyla.
谢谢，并致以最诚挚的问候，莉拉。
Thanks for your question, Lyla.
谢谢你的问题，莉拉。
The words are so similar that their use can even trouble native English speakers!
这两个单词非常相似，英语母语者使用这两个词时可能都会有疑问！
Generally, "ability" describes special skills and qualities now in use.
一般来说，ability指的是当前正在使用的特殊技能和素质。
“Capability” speaks more to the possible power or use of those skills and qualities.
capability更多的是指这些技能和素质的可能力量或用途。
Let’s take a closer look at each.
让我们细看每一个词。
“Ability” is a noun that comes from the adjective “able.”
ability是形容词able的派生名词。
If you are “able,” you can do something.
如果你“有能力”，你就能够做到某事。
You can carry out an action.
你可以执行一个行动。
“Ability” means a quality, skill, or aptitude that you have that makes it possible for you to do something.
ability指的是你所具有的素质、技能或天赋，这些特质让你能够做某事。
Compare these sentences:
比较一下这些句子：
I have the ability to speak Russian and English.
我能说俄语和英语。
Courtney’s disabilities are the result of a car accident.
考特尼的残疾是一场车祸造成的。
Henry’s cooking abilities increased over years of practice in his own home.
亨利的厨艺通过多年在家做饭而得到了提高。
Let’s move onto “capability.”
接下来看capability。
“Capability” is the quality or state of being capable.
capability指具有能力的状态。
“To be capable” means having qualities or skills to successfully perform some future action.
“有能力”的意思是具备在未来成功执行某个行动的素质或技能。
Your “capability” depends more on the situation, environment, or your desire to do something rather than just your ability to do it.
你的“能力”（capability）更多地取决于所处的情境、环境或你做某事的愿望，而不仅仅是你本身做到某事的能力（ability）。
He has the capability of lifting very heavy weights, but he injured himself last year, so he chooses to lift light weights while he recovers.
他有能力举起很重的杠铃，但去年他受伤了，所以他选择在康复期间举轻量级的杠铃。
“Capability” also can mean a skill set that can be further developed.
capability也可以指可以进一步得到发展的一套技能。
The new employees have strong capabilities in marketing. They just need more experience in the business world.
这些新员工具有很强的市场营销潜力。他们只是需要更多的商业经验。
Finally, “capability” is the possibility to be affected by use or treatment.
最后，capability指能够使用或处理（某物）的能力。
The movie Oppenheimer is about the development of the United States’ nuclear capabilities and eventual use of those weapons.
电影《奥本海默》讲述的是美国发展核力量以及最终使用这些核武器的故事。
Critics question the administration’s capability to compromise on a solution.
批评人士质疑政府达成折衷解决方案的能力。
Please let us know if these explanations and examples have helped you, Lyla.
请让我们知道这些解释和例子是否对你有帮助，莉拉。
And that’s Ask a Teacher.
以上就是《名师答疑》。
I’m Faith Pirlo.
我是费思·皮尔洛。
