Modal Verb Order with 会能

Both 会 and 能 are modal verbs. This means they help the main verb. They always sit right before the action. You don't need to change them for different people. There is no "I can" versus "he cans." It stays the same for everyone! They act like a bridge between the person and the action. If you want to say you "can't," just add 不 (bù) in front. So, 不会 means you don't know how. 不能 means you aren't able to right now. It is a very logical system. You just need to decide which "can" fits your situation.

1. 1The structure is very friendly. It follows a simple 1-2-3-4 step process:
2. 2Start with the Subject (Who is doing it?).
3. 3Add the Modal Verb (会 or 能).
4. 4Add the Main Verb (What is the action?).
5. 5Finish with the Object (What is being acted upon?).
6. 6For example: 我 (Subject) + 会 (Modal) + 说 (Verb) + 中文 (Object). This means "I can speak Chinese." If you are sick and can't speak, you change it. 我 + 不能 + 说 + 话. This means "I cannot speak (right now)."

Use 会 when you are talking about a learned skill. Did you have to study for it? Did you practice it? If yes, use 会. This includes languages, sports, and musical instruments. If you can play the piano, you say 我会弹钢琴. You weren't born knowing how to do that! You also use 会 to talk about the future. It can mean "will." For example, 明天会下雨 means "It will rain tomorrow."

Use 能 for physical ability or situational possibility. This is about your body or your schedule. If you have strong legs and can run fast, use 能. If you are free on Friday, use 能. It is also great for asking permission. "Can I come in?" would be 我能进来吗？. Think of 能 as your "right here, right now" button. It is about whether the universe is letting you do it today.

Don't use 会 when you are asking for a favor. If you ask a friend 你会帮我吗？, it sounds like you are asking if they have the skill to help. It’s a bit weird! Use 能 instead. Also, don't use 会 for physical limitations. If you forgot your glasses and can't see, don't say 我不会看. That sounds like you never learned how to use eyes! Instead, say 我不能看. It is a temporary problem, not a lack of education.

A classic mistake is using 会 for "will" when you mean "can." If you say 我会去, people might think you are promising to go. If you want to say you are physically able to go, use 能. Another mistake is mixing up 不能 and 不会. If you say 我不会吃辣, it sounds like you don't know the technique of eating spicy food. (Is there a technique? Probably not!). You should say 我不能吃辣. This means your stomach or taste buds can't handle it. Yes, even advanced students mess this up sometimes. Just laugh it off and correct it!

You might also hear 可以 (kěyǐ). This is the third cousin of 会 and 能. While 能 is about ability, 可以 is mostly about permission. In many cases, 能 and 可以 are best friends and can be swapped. But 会 is the loner. It stays in its lane of "learned skills." If you are at a job interview, use 会 for your resume. Use 能 for your start date. If you get them mixed up, the boss might think you're a bit confused!