Nen (念, Mind Force) is a technique that allows a living being to use and

manipulate their own life energy (known as aura).[1] The word "Nen"
can also be used in conversation to refer to aura.

Properties of Nen
Creation and Use
Nen teaches one to control their own aura flow and
utilize the energy.

Aura (オーラ) is the life energy produced by all living bodies vital for
survival. Aura from all parts of the body has a tendency to flow together,
producing one mass of energy. This happens without the individual's
awareness, typically resulting in a slow leak of aura continually escaping
the body.[1] If one were to lose their entire aura, it would be equivalent
to using up all the energy keeping them alive, which would be fatal. The
pores or points on the body from which aura flows out from are called
"Aura Nodes" (精孔) (しょうこう, Shōkō). Controlling those nodes is
the first step to being a user of Nen.[2]
Learning to use Nen is the final step in becoming a professional Hunter
because most contracted jobs require the use of it as the minimum
requirement. The technique has the ability to enhance the strength of
physical attacks or objects depending on the quantity of aura employed
and an individual's aura type, as well as allows for para-psychological
abilities to exist in reality. Because one can craft just about any sort of
psychic power through only using their mind, Nen is also a dangerous
power unknown to the public at large.[3] Crimes committed using Nen
fall within the jurisdiction of the Nen Police, but offenders may also be
targeted by the Hunters Association.[4]

Learning Nen and Initiation

A student learning Nen trains to manually open and close their aura
nodes so that they can control the flow of their aura. One typically learns
this process slowly and gradually through meditation. The second
method (colloquially called Initiation or Baptism) is by having one
receiving an influx of aura from an experienced user that forces these
nodes to open; despite how quickly it works, the method is typically
frowned upon due to its danger to the student if the user is
inexperienced or has malicious intent. Initiation via physically attacking
another with the use of an enhanced aura typically causes permanent
disability or death.[2]

There is, however, a way to initiate that is less harmful to the student's
body — depending on gently jolting open one's nodes forces the new
user to learn to control their aura flow, else risk suffering severe
exhaustion or death. Once one has opened their aura nodes, he will be
able to see his own aura as a shroud surrounding the body due to his
nodes in his eyes being opened. Aura appears to look similar to steam
from a kettle.[2] This method is called "Gehou".
It is possible to feel the presence of aura even without being aware of its
existence. It has been described as feeling like a warm, viscous fluid at
rest. It has been said that powerful, refined auras produce a sensation
that feels akin to needles pricking into the skin[5]. Since every living
being emits aura subconsciously, learning to sense aura is a useful skill
for those tracking living things or hunting non-living things infused with
aura. An experienced user of Nen can judge the location and relative
strength of his opponents through reading the output of their aura.

Wing initiating killua and gon.

Upon his introduction, Wing taught Killua and Gon a fake sense of Nen that focuses
mostly on meditation and on one's self.[6] This method does not require any aura
and has no visible effect; however, after Gon was injured by Gido and forbidden to
use Nen for two months to recover by Wing, both Gon and Killua practiced this
method,[7] and in fact made it more natural for them to use regular Nen. Given that
Nen is linked to emotions and mental state, this method can be particularly useful to
train Nen without aura, although normal use of technique is usually preferred.[8]

Nen of the Flame

Nen of the Flame (燃, Nen) is sometimes used in Shingen-ryū kung fu
as a precursor to learning the actual Nen. They are mental exercises akin
to meditation that strengthen one's force of will. Regular practice can
smooth the flow of one's aura. The Four Exercises of Nen of the Flame
are as follows:
Ten (点, Point): Focus the mind, reflect upon the self, and determine the
goal.
Zetsu (舌, Tongue): Put it into words.
Ren (錬, Temper): Intensify your will.
Hatsu (発, Release): Put it to action.[6]

Geniuses
Nen is like any other skill, in that there are those who will learn it faster
than others. Some are able to discover and learn to manipulate their
aura on their own without having formally learned it. These individuals
are typically known as "geniuses," "psychics," or "superhumans" to the
public. This can be anything from inadvertently being able to use the
basic techniques of Nen[2] or unconsciously developing a unique Nen
ability that can be used without really understanding how or why one is
able to do so. Typically, geniuses of Nen are exceptional artisans in their
own fields and their abilities are related as such.

Notable geniuses within the series include:

Neon Nostrade, the fortuneteller.
Benny Delon, the mass-murderer and blacksmith.
Zepile, the counterfeit artist.
Komugi, the Gungi world champion.
Alluka Zoldyck, the wish granter.

Given that three of these geniuses are Specialists (Neon, Alluka and
Komugi), it is possible all geniuses are indeed Specialists.
.
Nen and Emotion
Although the production of aura is unconscious and constant by all living
beings, it is not only life energy. Aura carries with it the desires and
emotions of the one who deploys it, which is what allows for Nen to
have incredible versatility to those who develop their skill at using
it,[8] and also heavily influenced by mental condition and emotional
state.[9] A basic application of this phenomenon is that one can channel
their aggression or malice into their aura and deploy it towards another
person (i.e. blood-lust). The antagonized will then be able to feel that
blood-lust as if it were physically palpable; if unable to keep it from their
own body by deploying their own Nen, he/she may be physically harmed
by it.[2]
Vows & Limitations
Being a product of the mind, Nen responds to the goals, strengths, and
desires of individual users. As a result, a student of Nen can increase the
overall power of an individual skill by stating a self-imposed restriction
that forces even more conditions on it. For example, if one consciously
decides something along the lines of "I will only use this skill on
Thursdays" or "I will only use this skill against short people" and manages
to abide by that rule, that particular skill will become stronger. These
conditions are called "Vows" (制約, Seiyaku) or "Contracts". The stricter
the Vow, the more one's own ability is strengthened. It is also implied
that Vows that carry great meaning or are tied to emotional states also
bring about a greater benefit. However, Vows are also considered
liabilities, since breaking a Vow carries the risk of completely obliterating
one's own Nen abilities.[9]
Vows that contain some sort of punishment (e.g. "I will die if I break this
rule") will strengthen the ability even further. These are called
"Limitations" (誓約, Seiyaku) or penalties—covenants to oneself.[9] An
example of this is the character Kurapika, who swore on his own life not
to use an ability on anyone but the Phantom Troupe.[10] Even though
a Vow adds further Limitations to using one's Nen ability, a Vow is not
the primary condition for an ability's activation and acts only to enhance
its power. It is also useful in retaining one's abilities when breaking a
vow. When a person breaks a vow without a limitation, they risk
damaging their abilities, however, when there is a limitation, this risk is
removed (unless of course it is part of the limitation), at a price of one's
own choosing.

Exorcism
Nen can be used to place a curse upon others. They are considered
dangerous due to their long-lasting effects. Curses may disappear if
certain conditions are met by the cursed, but they can also be removed
through the use of Nen. Those who possess the ability to do so are
called Exorcists, but are rare among Nen users. There are fewer than 10
people in the entire world whom are powerful enough to exorcise Nen
curses left by the dead.[11]
Notable Exorcists include:
Abengane, the shaman.
Hina
The Unknown
Though Nen is influenced by one's mental condition and emotional
state, it is difficult to judge exactly how these factors affect Nen. In
certain instances, these factors may even lead to one exceeding the
100% limit cap. However, using one's powers beyond their capacity will
ultimately cause strain. Potentially, this could become either a weakness
or fatal to the user.[11] Gon is the example of exceeding the 100% limit
cap after he enters a rage state in response to Neferpitou not being able
to bring Kite back as his wished: after the boost, he would have died
without Alluka's intervention, and even so, he was reverted back to a
state before he used nen (essencially going back to square one, implying
that while possible for Gon to reaquire his nen, it would be difficult and
risky). Isaac Netero is the only case seen so far, in which a character has
exceeded their 100% limit cap without forcing some extreme
consequence, and even so, to reach that point he had to complete
10,000 punches of gratitude a day and pray after he fulfilled this, for
almost a decade.
Nen also does not necessarily disappear following death. In fact,
sometimes death can reinforce an ability's strength. If someone dies
holding a deep grudge, his Nen will remain and seek out the object of his
hatred.[11]

Four Major Principles

In order to fully grasp Nen, one must first learn the Four Major Principles
of the Shingen-Ryu school of Kung-fu. Everything else, including a
practitioner of Nen's individual skills, is based on the basic manipulations
of one's aura flow. The Four Major Principles, in order of study,
are: Ten, Zetsu, Ren, and Hatsu.[1]
These basic techniques become second-nature to those experienced in
Nen. For example, a beginner must learn to use Ten and concentrate to
maintain it; whereas someone with experience will practically always be
in a state of Ten, even during sleep.[2]

Ten
Once a person has had their aura nodes opened, they must learn to keep
their aura from leaking away from their body. Ten (纏, Envelop; Shroud)
is the process of keeping the nodes open, but also having aura flow
through and around the body rather than away from it. Once
maintained, it creates a shroud around the user that feels similar to
standing in lukewarm, viscous fluid. Having a shroud of aura surround
the body is the most basic defense against the emotional attacks from
other users of Nen, however, it can't defend against Nen physical
attacks.[2] Ten maintains youthful vigor and reduces one's aging; since
the energy powering the body no longer leaks away, one can keep the
body from breaking down and deter the aging process.[1] Through
frequent meditation, one can improve the quality of their Ten.
Zetsu
While Ten allows a user to keep aura from leaking away from their
body, Zetsu (絕, Suppress; Null) stops the flow of aura from their body
altogether. By closing all of their aura nodes, the user is able to stop
almost all outflow of their aura like water from a valve. Since the user is
no longer surrounded by their own aura, they are more sensitive to the
aura of others. This can be useful when tracking another person and it
will also prevent other users of Nen from noticing them. Zetsu can also
be used to relieve fatigue, since it forces the body's external layer of
aura to be fully contained within.[1] However, since Zetsu involves
shutting off one's aura, it can be dangerous due to it leaving the body
defenseless against any aura attack. Even a weak attack enhanced with
Nen could do massive damage.[7]
Ren
Ren (練, Refine; Enhance) is a direct application of Ten. Since a user is
capable of keeping aura from leaking away from the body, it's also
possible for them to produce more aura around themselves without
having to worry about losing it.[1] Ren focuses on outputting a high
amount of aura and keeping it on the body, expanding the size and
intensity of it. If Ten is considered to be purely defensive, then Ren
typically what is used for offense. This increases the user's physical
strength and durability and provides a large pool of aura for any
advanced techniques or individual skills they decide to use.
Hatsu
Hatsu (發, Release; Act) is the release or transmission of one's aura so it
can be projected to carry out a certain function. In essence, Hatsu is
one's personal expression of Nen that creates a special and unique
paranormal ability (colloquially called a Nen Ability).[3] A good Hatsu
should reflect a person's own character; one can never truly master Nen
if they only copy other people's abilities.[8]

Nen and Individuality

There are six types of aura; every individual is born having one of these
six different aura types. Upon learning one's own aura type, a student of
Nen can set about learning to apply the technique in a unique way that
suits their personality, which can develop into a unique skill. The most
popular way (and the only sure-fire way seen in the series) of
determining one's aura type is through Water
Divination (水見式,Mizumishiki). Divination requires one to float a leaf
atop a glass of water. A student of Nen will place their hands around the
glass and perform Ren. The resulting effect from one's aura contacting
the glass will determine a person's aura type.[3]
If the volume of the water changes, the user is an Enhancer.[3]
If the taste of the water changes, the user is a Transmuter.[3]
If impurities appear in the water, the user is a Conjurer.[12]
If the color of the water changes, the user is an Emitter.[12]
If the leaf moves on the water's surface, the user is a Manipulator.[3]
If a completely different change appears, the user is a Specialist.[12]
It is best to base a Nen ability on one's individual aura type. Though it is
possible for one to develop abilities outside of his primary aura type, one
is typically less proficient at using those abilities. By creating an ability
that one isn't suited for, one risks stagnating their potential by
overloading their capacity for using Nen[3] something Hisoka calls
"Memory Overload". However, this is not the case with those who have
absolute mastery over Nen, e.g. Biscuit Krueger and Isaac Netero. Biscuit
is able to materialize several Nen masseuses (only Cookie was shown so
far) that involve the mixture of Emission, Manipulation and
Transmutation, and with casual ease.
Hisoka also claims that he is able to judge a person's Nen type based on
their personalities. According to him, all people of one aura type are
generally of the same personality type. However, he also states that this
method is similar to trying to find someone's star signs or blood type just
from personality analysis — it is not always correct.[13] According to his
theory:
Enhancers are determined and simple.[13] Most of them never lie, hide
nothing, and are very straightforward in their actions or in their thinking.
Their words and actions are often dominated by their feelings. They are
generally very selfish and focused on their goals. This is reflected in their
nen as enhancers typically rely on simple and uncomplicated hatsu
techniques.

Transmuters are whimsical and prone to deceit. Transmutation users

have unique attitudes, and many are regarded as weirdos or tricksters.
Often they put forth a facade while hiding the truer aspects of their
personalities. Even when they don't hide their personalities they rarely
reveal their true intentions.[13] Many transmuters rely on techniques
that give unique and unpredictable properties to their nen that reflects
their personalities.

Conjurers are typically high-strung or overly serious and stoic.[14] They

are often on guard as to be cautious. They are very observant and
logical, rarely falling into traps. Being able to analyze things calmly is the
strength of Conjurers. Many of the items that conjurers create are often
used by them in a very deliberate and practical, logical fashion.

Emitters are impatient, not detail-oriented, and quick to react in a

volatile manner. Many of them are quick-tempered and hot-
blooded.[14] They resemble the Enhancers in building their impulsivity,
but the difference with them, they probably tend to calm down and
forget easier. Because of the nature of emission, many hatsu techniques
created by emitters are primarily long range.

Manipulators are logical people who advance at their own

pace.[14] They are all for arguments and tend to want to keep their
families and loved ones safe. On the other hand, when it comes to
pursuing their own goals, they do not listen to what others might have
to say about it. While manipulators often use techniques that allow
them to control their opponents they also prefer to use an inanimate
medium to control that can be used versatility (such as smoke or pieces
of paper hardened with Shu).

Specialists are individualistic and charismatic.[14] They will tell you

anything important on them, and refrain from being close friends. But,
because of their natural charisma that draws others, they are always
surrounded by many people. Because specialization is unique and can
have many facets, most specialists posses only one hatsu technique.

There are numerical approximations given by the manga to indicate just

exactly how efficient one would be at using aura abilities that one is not
born into. Starting at one's own aura type, one has the potential to be
100% efficient at using abilities based in that category alone.[15] Then
looking at the category chart (see right), one has the potential to be 80%
efficient at using aura types adjacent to one's primary type, 40%
efficient at the opposite or farthest category, and 60% efficient in the
two remaining categories. Specialization is typically unusable for non-
Specialists because it is impossible to partially use; one either can or
cannot use Specialist abilities. However, Conjurers and Manipulators
have 1% efficiency potential for Specialization due to being adjacent to
it.[9]

Aura Types
Enhancement
If a student increases the quantity of water in the glass during their
water divination, they are an Enhancer (強化系, Kyōkakei).
Enhancement is the ability to use aura to increase the natural abilities of
an object or one's own body.[3]Therefore, Enhancers are able to greatly
increase their physical attack and defense and are best suited for close-
ranged melee combat.
Enhancement is the most balanced category, allowing users to spread
themselves evenly between offense and defense and become very
strong using only simple abilities. One of the examples of more complex
Enhancement abilities include enhancing one's healing factor.
Notable Enhancers include:
Gon Freecss
Kastro
Uvogin
Phinks
Nobunaga Hazama
Isaac Netero
Maha Zoldyck
Tsezguerra
Rammot
Palm Siberia
Menthuthuyoupi
Hollow
Gido
Transmutation

If a student changes the taste of the water in the glass during their water
divination, they are a Transmuter (変化系, Henkakei). An affinity for
Transmutation means a person can change the properties of their aura
to mimic something else.[3] Similar to Emission, things created via
Transmutation are pure aura. Transmutation is often mistaken with
Conjuration due to their similarities. A simple way of thinking about it
would be that Transmutation allows your aura to mimic properties of a
substance, whereas Conjuration allows you to change your aura into
actual substances. Transmuters can copy the properties of real things.
For example, Killua Zoldyck uses his aura to copy the properties of
electricity. Transmuters can also give their aura properties that don't
necessarily mimic real things; Hisoka's "Bungee Gum" copies and
combines the properties of rubber and gum, or Feitan whose aura
replicates the solar sphere or Machi who transmutes her Nen into
glowing threads. Transmuted substances are invisible to people unaware
of the existence of Nen, and even to see transmuted aura, for a person
well known to Nen, will require Gyo, or focusing the majority of Ren on
one's eyes.
Notable Transmuters include:
Hisoka
Killua Zoldyck
Silva Zoldyck
Zeno Zoldyck
Machi
Worm
Feitan
Biscuit Krueger
Sadaso
Zazan

Conjuration

If a student creates an object in the water in the glass during their water
divination, they are a Conjurer (具現化系, Gugenkakei). Conjuration is
the ability to create a physical, independent, material object out of one's
aura.[3] Once a person has mastered the conjuration of a certain object,
they can conjure it and dispel it in an instant, whenever they
want.[16] Conjuration is the only way in which Nen can create things
that ordinary people (unaware of Nen) can see and touch. Furthermore,
objects or entities created by this technique have a subtle
"independence" to them. This means that they can continue existing
even if they were at a considerable distance from the Conjurer, or even
if the Conjurer themselves are not aware that they have yet to be de-
materialized. However the use of In can hide an object materialized
from aura from experienced users of Nen.
Conjured objects can have special abilities imbued into them. For
example, the Phantom Troupe bandit, Shizuku, is able to conjure a
vacuum cleaner that can infinitely suck up objects, but with the
condition that it can't suck up living things and things made up of Nen.
Similar to Manipulation, Conjuration abilities tend to be very specific,
complex, and conditional. Conditions can be imbued into conjured
objects to make them stronger. Kortopi, for example, is able to
materialize a perfect inanimate copy of any object or person that he
touches. However, the copies of all objects generated will automatically
disappear after 24 hours.
Notable Conjurers include:
Kite
Kurapika
Shizuku
Kortopi
Basho
Owl
Abengane
Kess
Genthru
Knov
Welfin
Bonolenov
Cheetu
Tsubone

Emission

If a student changes the color of the water in the glass during their water
divination, they are an Emitter (放出系, Hōshutsukei). An affinity for
Emission means that a user is capable of controlling the deployment of
their aura while separating it from their body.[3] Aura usually decreases
in intensity very quickly when it is separated from the source body, but
strong Emitters can separate their aura from their body for long-periods
of time and still be able to maintain it.
Some Emission abilities (such as Shachmono Tocino's) are commonly
mistaken for Conjuration abilities. The two, however, are fundamentally
different. Objects created by Emitters are created solely from aura,
invisible to those whom haven't learned Nen, and require Manipulation
skills to control.
Notable Emitters Include:
Leorio Paradinight
Pokkle
Riehlvelt
Mizuken
Melody
Shachmono Tocino
Franklin
Goreinu
Razor
Bloster
Pike
Knuckle Bine
Bat

Manipulation

If a student moves the leaf floating on the water in the glass during their
water divination, they are a Manipulator (操作系, Sōsakei). Abilities
belonging to Manipulators allow the user to control living or non-living
things in a certain way (and manipulate the aura itself), the main
advantage being able to 'manipulate' enemies.[3]The degree of control
is principally determined by a condition that usually puts the
manipulator at risk (attaching objects on the enemy, touching the
enemy in a certain way) and of course the larger the risk, the better the
degree of control.
Notable Manipulators include:
Illumi Zoldyck
Milluki Zoldyck
Kikyo Zoldyck
Kalluto Zoldyck
Zushi
Squala
Baise
Leech
Shalnark
Morel Mackernasey
Shoot McMahon
Flutter
Ikalgo
Shaiapouf
Boki

Specialization

If a student causes some other effect during their water divination, they
are Specialist(特質系, Tokushitsukei). It is possible that the effect that
occurs can give some insight into how they should direct their ability.
Specialization is anything that doesn't belong into the other five
categories.[3] This is the vaguest Hatsu category. For example,
Kurapika's Specialist ability allows him to use all Hatsu types at 100%
efficiency.[9]Chrollo Lucilfer's Specialist ability allows him to steal any
other Nen ability (provided that the right conditions have been
fulfilled).[17] Neon Nostrade's specialization ability is unique, as it
seems she uses only the abilities of Conjurer and Manipulator out of any
of the other five Hatsu types. It is possible to become a Specialist later in
life, although it is more likely for Manipulators or Conjurers which is why
it is placed at the bottom of the chart.
Of the many possible effects that can occur during a Specialist's water
divination, only one was shown so far.Neferpitou's aura for example
caused the leaf on top of the water to dry out and crumble.
Notable Specialists include:
Chrollo Lucilfer
Neon Nostrade
Pakunoda
Kurapika (Only when his eyes turn scarlet)
Neferpitou
Leol
Meleoron
Alluka Zoldyck
Komugi
Omokage

Advanced Techniques
After learning the basics, any skilled user of Nen will learn to utilize
these advanced techniques. Most of them are achieved by using a
combination of the basics. Most Nen users learn Ten, Zetsu,
and Ren first before attempting these techniques. The Hatsu, being a
Nen-user's individual skill, is often something that a Nen-user will
develop gradually over a long period of time.

Gyo
Gyo (凝, Focus) is an advanced application of Ren by which a Nen-user
concentrates a larger than normal portion of their aura into one specific
body part. Gyo increases the strength of that one body part, but leaves
the rest of the body more vulnerable. Gyo is most often used in the
eyes, allowing a Nen-user to see aura and things which would otherwise
be hidden (e.g. Nen objects hidden by In).[8]

In
In (隱, Conceal) is an advanced form of Zetsu used to almost completely
conceal one's aura. However, unlike Zetsu, In does not require the user
to stop their aura flow, but hides it instead, making this technique
perfect for launching a sneak attack or laying traps. In can be countered
by using Gyo in the eyes or through En.[8]

En
En (圓, Circle) is an advanced application of Ren and Ten. In Ren, aura
usually envelops only a small amount of space around the user's
body. En is when one extends their Ren so that their aura extends
further than normal, then uses Ten at the same time to give shape to
the aura, usually a sphere. Someone using En can feel the shape and
movement of anything entering their circle.[18] The downside to this is
that it is extremely tiring and draining for the Nen-user to constantly
deploy so much aura.[17]Those who master En are typically able to
extend their En to a circle of a 50m radius.[18] There are exceptions —
Zeno Zoldyck, one of the most powerful assassins alive, is able to
extend his En up to a radius of 300m. Kortopi's fake copies function as
En , he was able to detect Squala's location from a distance of 2500
meters.[17] Also, the Chimera Ant Neferpitou, has an irregularly
shaped En and can extend a tendril of it up to 2 miles away.

Shu
Shu (周, Enfold) is an advanced application of Ten. Shu allows a user of
Nen to extend their aura's envelopment onto an object, allowing them
to use that object as if it were an extension of their own body. For
example, one could use Shu to extend their Ten around an object, which
would strengthen and protect the object like the way Ren strengthens
and protects their body. This is the technique that allows Hisoka to make
his solitaire cards as sharp and as hard as metal knives.

Ken
Ken (堅, Fortify) is the advanced version of the basic
Ren technique. Ken is a defensive technique where a Nen-user
maintains a state of Gyo over their entire body, allowing them to defend
against attacks from any direction without the need to use Ryu. Ken is
useful as a defensive position, but is tiring to maintain. Additionally, it is
not as strong as Gyo on any given part of the body, since it protects the
whole body evenly. Because of that, it is used to guard when one wants
to be cautious.

Ko
Ko (硬, Temper) is an enhanced version of Gyo in which all of an
individual's aura is concentrated into one particular body part. Zetsu is
used to completely stop the flow of Nen in all other parts of the body.
This makes that one body part exceptionally powerful, but leaves the
rest of the body completely unprotected. This is used by some Nen-users
as an offensive technique (a Ko-punch would carry all 100% of your aura
with it), but it is a risky move — leaving the rest of one's body
unprotected in a fight against another Nen-user is generally not a good
idea. Ko results in one's aura creating a high-pitched dissonance,
somewhat akin to the sound of metal being ground.

Ryu
Ryu (流, Flow) is the term for real-time use of Gyo (the adjustment of
aura concentration in various body parts) by a Nen-user in battle. For
example, the use of Gyo to increase the amount of Nen in a fist as one
strikes with it, to increase damage done; or to increase the amount of
Nen in an arm as it is used to block a blow, for extra defense.