B1 · Grammar reference · ASGZL717
Comparing "hui," "neng," "keyi" The three modal verbs 会 (huì), 能 (néng), and 可以 (kěyǐ) are all often translated as "can" in English. Sometimes they are explained as: 会 means "know how to," 能 means "to be able to," and 可以 means "to have permission to." This is a useful way of thinking about them, but in reality their usage does overlap somewhat.
Structure
会／能 + Verb
可以 / 能 + Verb
会 + Verb / Adj.
很 + 会／能 + Verb
Keywords 会 · 能 · 可以 · can · able
Used for Describing actions · Expressing ability · Expressing possibility · Expressing permission · Requesting
Classification HSK2 Examples (28) Add all sentences to My sentences Wow, you really can eat! Illustrates Comparing "hui," "neng," "keyi" with 会. He's not going to marry you. Illustrates Comparing "hui," "neng," "keyi" with 会. We all know how to swim. Illustrates Comparing "hui," "neng," "keyi" with 会. He doesn't know how to fix computers. Illustrates Comparing "hui," "neng," "keyi" with 会. Can you speak Chinese? Illustrates Comparing "hui," "neng," "keyi" with 会. Sorry, I can only speak a little. Illustrates Comparing "hui," "neng," "keyi" with 会. Are you able to eat three bowls of rice? Illustrates Comparing "hui," "neng," "keyi" with 会. Not possible. Illustrates Comparing "hui," "neng," "keyi" with 会. Teacher, can I leave a little early? Illustrates Comparing "hui," "neng," "keyi" with 会. No, you can't. Illustrates Comparing "hui," "neng," "keyi" with 会. Can I smoke here? Illustrates Comparing "hui," "neng," "keyi" with 会. Is it possible for you to come a little earlier tomorrow? Illustrates Comparing "hui," "neng," "keyi" with 会. Is it possible to change the time? Illustrates Comparing "hui," "neng," "keyi" with 会. Is it possible for foreigners to attend? Illustrates Comparing "hui," "neng," "keyi" with 会. Will you be mad at me? Illustrates Comparing "hui," "neng," "keyi" with 会. Will I look good if I dress like this? Illustrates Comparing "hui," "neng," "keyi" with 会. Is it going to rain today? Illustrates Comparing "hui," "neng," "keyi" with 会. I don't think it will. Illustrates Comparing "hui," "neng," "keyi" with 会. He's quite a talker. Illustrates Comparing "hui," "neng," "keyi" with 会. My mother really knows how to cook. Illustrates Comparing "hui," "neng," "keyi" with 会. She's only five but she's a smooth talker. Illustrates Comparing "hui," "neng," "keyi" with 会. This girl knows how to dress up really well. Illustrates Comparing "hui," "neng," "keyi" with 会. He can really sleep. Illustrates Comparing "hui," "neng," "keyi" with 会. Chinese people can really eat. Illustrates Comparing "hui," "neng," "keyi" with 会. I didn't expect you to be able to handle so much hardship. Illustrates Comparing "hui," "neng," "keyi" with 会. I am able to dance now since my foot is better. (The condition changed) Illustrates Comparing "hui," "neng," "keyi" with 会. I studied for two months. I know how to dance now. (It's a learned skill) Illustrates Comparing "hui," "neng," "keyi" with 会. My parents agreed. I'm allowed to dance now. (Parents gave their permission) Illustrates Comparing "hui," "neng," "keyi" with 会. Further resources
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