会

Using 会 is incredibly simple. Just drop it right before a verb. To say you can speak Chinese, say 我会说中文. To say it will rain, say 会下雨. If you want to say you 'cannot' or 'will not', just add 不 (bù) in front to make it 不会. It is like a Lego brick that fits perfectly into almost any sentence structure. You don't need to change the verb at all.

You use it when bragging about your skills at a job interview. Use it when telling a friend you'll show up to their party. Use it when checking the weather forecast. It is perfect for talking about languages, sports, or any learned hobby. If you are texting a friend 'I'll be there,' 我会来 is your best friend. It sounds confident and reliable.

Don't use 会 for physical ability that doesn't require learning. For example, if you have eyes and can see, you don't 'learn' to see. In that case, use 能 (néng) instead. Also, avoid using it for 'may' or 'might' if you are very unsure. 会 implies a level of 'know-how' or 'certainty'. If you just have permission to do something, 可以 (kěyǐ) is the better choice. Don't tell your boss 我会走 if you mean 'I am allowed to leave'—it sounds like you are threatening to quit!

In Chinese culture, 会 reflects the value placed on self-improvement and learning. The character itself historically relates to a 'meeting' or 'gathering'. This suggests that knowledge is something that comes together through experience. Being 'a person who knows how' (会办事的人) is a high compliment in Chinese social circles. It means you are capable and savvy.

You will often hear 你会吗? (Can you/Do you know how?). It’s the ultimate icebreaker. Another common one is 一定会 (definitely will). If you want to sound very polite, you might hear 我会努力的 (I will work hard). This is the standard 'good student' or 'good employee' response. It shows both ability and intention.