You use potential to say that someone or something is capable of developing into the particular kind of person or thing mentioned.
The company has identified 60 potential customers.
该公司已确定了60位潜在的客户。
We are aware of the potential problems and have taken every precaution.
我们意识到了潜在的问题,已经采取了一切防范措施。
If you say that someone or something has potential, you mean that they have the necessary abilities or qualities to become successful or useful in the future.
The boy has great potential.
这个男孩有很大的潜力。
The school strives to treat students as individuals and to help each one to achieve their full potential.
学校力求因材施教,帮助每位学生充分发挥他们的潜能。
If you say that someone or something has potential for doing a particular thing, you mean that it is possible they may do it. If there is the potential for something, it may happen.
John seemed as horrified as I about his potential for violence.
约翰似乎和我一样对他的暴力倾向感到恐惧。
The meeting has the potential to be a watershed event.
这次会议有可能成为一次分水岭事件。