能力

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 能力 (のうりょく) is a noun for the ability or capacity to perform a task or exercise a function.
• Basic usage: 能力が育つ means an ability develops, while 能力を生かす means to make effective use of it.
  • 経験を通して問題を見つける能力が育った。 — Experience developed my ability to identify problems.
  • 自分の能力を生かせる役割を選んだ。 — I chose a role that made use of my abilities.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Capacity and learned skill
  • 能力 broadly denotes capacity to perform, while 技能 focuses more narrowly on a concrete skill acquired through learning or practice.