可以 (kěyǐ) - Can/May (Permission)

可以 is a modal verb, also known as an auxiliary verb. This means it helps the main verb in the sentence. It does not act alone; it usually sits right before the action. One great thing about Chinese is that verbs never change. You do not need to conjugate 可以 for different people. It stays the same for "I," "you," "we," or "they." It functions like a mood setter for the sentence. It tells the listener that the action is allowed or possible. It is like adding a "please" or "is it okay?" without the extra words. Just place it before your verb and you are ready to go.

1. 1Using 可以 follows a very logical path. Follow these steps to build your sentences:
2. 2Start with the Subject (who is doing the action).
3. 3Add the modal verb 可以.
4. 4Add the Main Verb (the action itself).
5. 5Finish with the Object or the rest of the sentence.
6. 6For a positive sentence: Subject + 可以 + Verb + Object.
7. 7Example: 你可以坐这儿 (Nǐ kěyǐ zuò zhèr) - You can sit here.
8. 8For a negative sentence: Subject + 不可以 + Verb + Object.
9. 9Example: 你不可以开车 (Nǐ bù kěyǐ kāichē) - You cannot drive.
10. 10For a question: Subject + 可以 + Verb + Object + 吗?.
11. 11Example: 我可以进来吗？ (Wǒ kěyǐ jìnlái ma?) - Can I come in?
12. 12Alternatively, use the "A-not-A" pattern for questions: Subject + 可不可以 + Verb + Object?.
13. 13Example: 我可不可以借你的笔？ (Wǒ kěbùkěyǐ jiè nǐ de bǐ?) - Can I borrow your pen?

You will use 可以 in three main real-world scenarios. First, use it for Permission. This is the most common use. Imagine you are at a crowded Starbucks in Shanghai. You see an empty chair. You point and ask: 我可以坐这儿吗？ (Can I sit here?). It is polite and clear.

Second, use it for Possibility or Suggestions. If a friend asks what to do tonight, you might say: 我们可以去看电影 (Wǒmen kěyǐ qù kàn diànyǐng). This means "We could go see a movie." It is not a command; it is an option. It is like a grammar traffic light turning yellow—it is an invitation to proceed.

Third, use it in Service Situations. When you enter a shop, the clerk might ask: 我可以帮你吗？ (Can I help you?). When you are ready to pay, you can ask: 可以用支付宝吗？ (Can I use Alipay?). It is the standard way to handle transactions smoothly. Yes, even native speakers use it constantly to stay polite and avoid sounding too direct.

Do not use 可以 for Innate Skills. If you learned how to do something through study, like speaking a language or coding, use 会 (huì) instead. Saying 我可以说中文 sounds like you are asking for permission to speak it, rather than saying you know how.

Also, avoid using it for Physical Ability in a specific moment. If you are physically unable to lift a heavy box because it is too heavy, 能 (néng) is a better fit. 可以 is about the "rules" or "possibility," while 能 is about the "power." Think of it this way: You 能 (are physically able to) eat ten spicy peppers, but you 不可以 (are not allowed) because your doctor said no.

A very common mistake is putting 不 in the wrong place. Never say 可以不. That changes the meaning to "it is okay not to." To say "cannot," always use 不可以.

Another slip-up is forgetting the main verb. In English, we say "Yes, I can." In Chinese, you can just say 可以 to mean "Yes," but in a full sentence, you usually need the action.

Some learners also confuse 可以 with 会. Remember: 会 is for your brain's skills (like swimming or speaking French). 可以 is for the world's permission. Don't worry; even native speakers mess this up when they are tired, but catching it early makes you sound much more natural.

Let's clear up the "Can" trio: 可以, 能, and 会.

• 会 (huì): Mental skills. "I know how to do this." Example: 我会写汉字 (I know how to write characters).
• 能 (néng): Physical ability or efficiency. "I am capable of this right now." Example: 我能跑五公里 (I can run 5km).
• 可以 (kěyǐ): Permission or possibility. "I have the green light." Example: 我可以去洗手间吗？ (May I go to the bathroom?).

Sometimes 可以 and 能 overlap when talking about possibility. For example, 你可以坐地铁去 and 你能坐地铁去 both mean you can take the subway. However, 可以 sounds a bit more like a suggestion, while 能 sounds more like a factual capability.