Modal Verb 可以 - Permission/Possibility

可以 is what we call a modal verb. Think of it as a "helper" verb. It does not stand alone as the main action. Instead, it hitches a ride with another verb to add extra meaning. It tells us whether an action is allowed or possible. In English, we have words like "can," "could," "may," and "might." Chinese keeps it much simpler with 可以. It sits right before the main verb in a sentence. It does not change based on who is speaking. There is no conjugation to worry about. Whether it is "I can," "you can," or "they can," the word stays exactly the same: 可以. It is like a universal adapter for your sentences. Just plug it in before your action and you are ready to go.

1. 1Building a sentence with 可以 is like building with Lego blocks. You just need to follow a specific order.
2. 2Start with your Subject (the person doing the action).
3. 3Add the modal verb 可以.
4. 4Add your main Verb (the action itself).
5. 5Finish with the Object (if there is one).
6. 6For example: 我 (Subject) + 可以 + 吃 (Verb) + 肉 (Object). "I can eat meat."
7. 7To make a question, just add 吗 (ma) at the very end. 我可以吃肉吗？ "Can I eat meat?"
8. 8To say "cannot" or "may not," just put 不 (bù) in front of 可以. This creates 不可以 (bù kěyǐ).
9. 9Subject + 不可以 + Verb. 你不可以走。 "You cannot leave."
10. 10Think of 不可以 as a firm stop sign. It is strong and clear.

There are three main times you will reach for 可以.

First is for Permission. This is the most common use. Use it when you are asking if it is okay to do something. "Can I use the bathroom?" "Can I borrow your pen?" Even native speakers use this constantly to show respect. It is like a verbal knock on the door.

Second is for Possibility. Use this when you want to say something is doable or available. For example, if you are giving directions. "You can take the subway to get there." It is not about whether they are allowed to take the subway, but that the subway is an option.

Third is for Suggestions. If a friend asks what they should do tonight, you can say, "You can watch a movie." It is a gentle way to offer an idea without being bossy. Think of it like a grammar traffic light. 可以 is the green light. It says, "Go ahead, the path is clear!"

Don't use 可以 for skills you had to study or practice for a long time. For things like speaking a language, swimming, or playing the piano, we use 会 (huì). If you say 我可以游泳, it sounds like you are asking for permission to enter the pool, not that you know how to swim.

Also, avoid using it for purely physical ability. If you want to say you are physically able to lift a heavy box, 能 (néng) is usually a better fit. 可以 is more about the "social" or "logical" possibility. Yes, even native speakers mess this up sometimes, so don't sweat it too much. Just remember: if it's a skill you learned, use 会. If it's permission, use 可以.

One big mistake is putting 可以 in the wrong spot. Always remember: Helper first, Action second. You cannot say 我走可以. It must be 我可以走.

Another trap is using 不可以 to answer "Can you speak Chinese?" If someone asks 你会说中文吗？ and you say 不可以, they will be very confused. They might think you are forbidden from speaking it!

Lastly, don't forget the 吗 in questions. English uses word order to show a question ("Can I...?" vs "I can..."). Chinese uses the particle 吗 at the end or the "A-not-A" pattern 可以不可以. Beginners often forget this and end up making a statement instead of asking a question. Imagine trying to order a coffee but accidentally telling the barista "I can drink coffee" as a fact. They will just nod at you awkwardly!

In Chinese, there are three "can" brothers: 可以, 能, and 会.

会 (huì) is the "Brainy Brother." He is all about skills and things you've learned. "I can speak Chinese" or "I can drive."

能 (néng) is the "Strong Brother." He is about physical ability and circumstances. "I can see the mountains from here" or "I can run five miles."

可以 (kěyǐ) is the "Social Brother." He handles permission and options. "Can I use your phone?" or "You can buy bread at that shop."

Sometimes 可以 and 能 overlap when talking about possibility. In many cases, you can use either. But if you are asking for permission, 可以 is your best friend. It sounds slightly more polite and standard for A1 learners.