1. possible or likely to happen or develop
可能的，潛在的
The new drug has potential side effects.
這種新藥有潛在的副作用。
He is a potential candidate for the job.
他是這份工作的潛在人選。
There is a potential risk of flooding in this area.
這個地區有潛在的洪水風險。
Potential Meaning（定義、用法、例句與發音）
potential
adjective
快速理解
What does "Potential" mean?What are 2-3 core uses of "Potential"?
形容某事物具有未來可能實現的能力、價值或影響力。
- 1
可能的
EN: possible or likely in the future
翻譯: 未來可能發生的
- 2
潛在的
EN: existing in possibility, not yet actual
翻譯: 目前隱藏但未來可能顯現的
- 3
有潛力的
EN: having the capacity to develop into something in the future
翻譯: 具備未來發展成某種狀態的能力
小提醒：「potential」作形容詞時，通常用來修飾名詞（如 potential problem, potential benefits），描述其「未來可能性」。它與「possible」不同，更強調隱藏的、待開發的潛質或未來某時刻可能出現的狀態。
發音（How to Pronounce "Potential" in English）
How to pronounce "Potential" in English?"Potential" US vs UK pronunciation
點擊下方的 US / UK 按鈕可播放發音。
Real-life Examples of "Potential" from YouTube Videos
Boghuma Kabisen Titanji: Ethical riddles in HIV research
TED
“The information in these trials needs to be given to the potential participants in linguistically and culturally acceptable formats.”
(1 out of 112)
Definitions（定義）
What are the definitions of "Potential"?How does "Potential" change by context?
2. having or showing the capacity to develop into something in the future
有潛力的，有發展可能的
She is a potential star in the making.
她是一顆正在崛起的潛力新星。
The young athlete has great potential talent.
這位年輕運動員擁有極大的潛在天賦。
This is a market with huge potential growth.
這是一個具有巨大增長潛力的市場。
3. existing in possibility but not yet actual or realized
潛在的，尚未實現的
We need to consider all potential outcomes.
我們需要考慮所有潛在的結果。
The potential benefits of the project outweigh the costs.
該專案的潛在效益超過了成本。
He saw the potential danger in the situation.
他看到了局勢中潛在的危險。
4. the possibility of something happening or of someone doing something in the future
可能性，潛力
This invention has the potential to change the world.
這項發明有改變世界的潛力。
She has the potential to become a great leader.
她有成為偉大領袖的潛力。
The company is exploring its growth potential.
該公司正在探索其增長潛力。
5. latent qualities or abilities that may be developed and lead to future success
潛能，潛質
The teacher saw great potential in the quiet student.
老師在那位安靜的學生身上看到了巨大的潛能。
He hasn't yet reached his full potential.
他尚未發揮出全部潛能。
The program aims to unlock the creative potential of children.
該計畫旨在釋放孩子們的創造潛能。
Grammar & Patterns（句型）
What are common sentence patterns for "Potential"?How to make natural sentences with "Potential"?
| Pattern | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| potential + noun | 潛在的… | The company has identified several potential markets. (該公司已確定了幾個潛在市場。) |
| potential for + noun | …的可能性 | There is great potential for growth in this sector. (這個領域有很大的成長潛力。) |
| potential to + verb | 有潛力做… | This technology has the potential to revolutionize the industry. (這項技術有潛力徹底改變這個產業。) |
| with + potential | 具有潛力的 | We are looking for young athletes with potential. (我們正在尋找有潛力的年輕運動員。) |
| show/have + potential | 展現/擁有潛力 | The new student shows great potential in mathematics. (這位新學生在數學方面展現出巨大的潛力。) |
| realize/fulfill + potential | 實現/發揮潛力 | With proper training, she can fulfill her full potential. (透過適當的訓練，她可以發揮她的全部潛力。) |
用法說明
How is "Potential" different from similar structures?What usage mistakes are common with "Potential"?
potential doing vs potential to do
- "potential doing" 通常用於描述一個籠統的、習慣性的或作為一個整體概念的潛在可能性。
- "potential to do" 則更常指向一個具體的、未來的、有待實現的潛在能力或機會。
- 在許多情況下，兩者可以互換，但 "potential to do" 在正式或學術寫作中更為常見。
- 當主詞是事物而非人時，通常使用 "potential to do" 來表示其潛在功能或影響。 EN: This young athlete shows great potential to become a champion. 翻譯: 這位年輕運動員展現出成為冠軍的巨大潛力。
EN:The new technology has the potential for revolutionizing communication.
翻譯:這項新技術具有革新通訊方式的潛力。
總結建議
在表達具體的、有待實現的潛在能力時，使用 "potential to do" 通常更為精確。
易混淆對比
What is the difference between "Potential" and similar words?How to choose "Potential" vs alternatives?
potential vs possible
「potential」強調內在的、尚未實現的能力或可能性；「possible」僅表示客觀上有可能發生，但不涉及內在能力。
potential vs latent
「potential」指未來可能實現或發展的能力；「latent」強調已存在但隱藏、尚未顯現的狀態。
potential vs prospective
「potential」描述內在的、可能實現的品質；「prospective」指預期在未來會發生或與未來相關的。
口語用法
How is "Potential" used in spoken English?What is the spoken vs formal difference for "Potential"?
引述
在口語中，常用來引述他人對某事的看法或評價，帶有「被認為有潛力」的意味。 EN: People say she has the potential to be a great leader. 翻譯: 大家都說她有成為優秀領袖的潛力。
EN:He's got potential, according to his coach.
翻譯:根據他的教練所說，他很有潛力。
語氣強調
在對話中，常透過重音或語調來強調「潛力」與「當前現實」的對比，帶有鼓勵或指出差距的語氣。 EN: You have so much potential! Don't waste it. 翻譯: 你的潛力這麼大！別浪費了。
EN:The idea has potential, but the execution needs work.
翻譯:這個點子有潛力，但執行層面還需要加強。
停頓填充
在思考或組織語句時，有時會用 "potential" 作為一個填充詞，特別是在討論計劃或可能性時。 EN: We're looking at... potential... collaborations with local artists. 翻譯: 我們正在考慮…有潛力的…與當地藝術家的合作。
EN:There are a few, potential, issues we need to address first.
翻譯:有幾個，潛在的，問題我們需要先處理。
正式寫作注意：在正式或學術寫作中，應避免將 "potential" 用作停頓填充詞。建議使用更精確的結構，如 "potential collaborations" 或 "potential issues"，並確保句子流暢完整。
常見短語
What common collocations use "Potential"?What fixed phrases with "Potential" should I remember?
potential for
potential for [noun/gerund]
有...的潛力；有...的可能性
full potential
reach/achieve/realize one's full potential
充分發揮潛力；達到極限
potential candidate
potential candidate (for)
潛在候選人；可能的人選
growth potential
growth potential
成長潛力；增長潛能
potential risk
potential risk (of)
潛在風險；可能的危險
potential benefits
potential benefits
潛在好處；可能帶來的益處
show potential
show (great/real) potential
展現潛力；顯示出潛能
untapped potential
untapped potential
未開發的潛力；尚未利用的潛能
常見錯誤
What are common mistakes with "Potential"?Which "Potential" sentences look correct but are wrong?
×He has a potential to become a great leader.
✓He has the potential to become a great leader.
當 'potential' 作為名詞使用時，通常需要搭配定冠詞 'the'，表示「潛力、可能性」。作為形容詞時則不需要冠詞。
×There is a possible risk of failure.
✓There is a potential risk of failure.
'Potential' 強調某事物內在的、尚未實現但可能發展的能力或風險。'Possible' 僅表示可能性，不強調內在的發展能力。在描述內在的、未來的可能性時，'potential' 更準確。
×This investment will potentially increase our profits in the future.
✓This investment has the potential to increase our profits.
避免將 'potentially' 與表示未來式的 'will' 連用，因為 'potentially' 本身已含有未來可能性的意思。使用 'has the potential to' 的結構更為簡潔自然。
×We discussed the potential plan carefully.
✓We carefully discussed the potential plan.
副詞 'carefully' 應用來修飾動詞 'discussed'，而不是形容詞 'potential'。將副詞置於動詞前或句末，使句子結構更清晰。
×The opportunity is potential for growth.
✓The opportunity has potential for growth.
'Potential' 作為形容詞時，通常用作定語（放在名詞前），如 'a potential opportunity'。它很少用作表語（放在 be 動詞後）。表達「有潛力」應使用 'has potential'。
詞形變化
What are the word forms of "Potential"?What are tense/participle forms of "Potential"?