Is this a real chinese word?

Question

nengkan, it is a beautiful word that is said to be chinese in The Joy Luck Club, and i would like to know if it actually is a real chinese word (it is said to mean that you believe that whatever you set you mind to you can accomplish)

Answer 1

nendkan

means did a impressive job on something.

So , you may misunderstood what them said ti you.

Answer 2

You probably mean nenggan 能干  which simply means capable, able.  

Answer 3

It should be 能干. It means capable.

She did not make it up but I think she used it incorrectly. If I were to translate that phrase, I would do it this way: 只要你相信，你一定可以 (zhi yao ni xiang xin, ni yi ding ke yi) - If you believe, you will make it.