可以
Can/may
Literally: May-possible
Use `可以` whenever you want to say 'yes,' 'sure,' or 'is it okay?' in daily life.
In 15 Seconds
- Use it to ask for permission or give a green light.
- Place it before the verb to say you 'can' do something.
- Avoid it for learned skills; use it for possibility and permission.
Meaning
This is your go-to word for saying 'yes' to a request or asking if something is okay. It covers everything from 'I can do that' to 'Is it alright if I sit here?'
Key Examples
3 of 6Ordering at a cafe
我可以要一杯咖啡吗？
Can I have a cup of coffee?
Asking to sit down
这里可以坐吗？
Can I sit here?
Professional agreement
这个方案可以。
This plan is acceptable.
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects the high-context nature of Chinese social harmony. While it literally means 'can,' it is often used to soften requests and maintain 'face' between speakers. In recent years, it has become a popular internet slang term to praise someone's impressive skills or cool behavior.
The Double Tap
If you want to sound like a local when agreeing, say it twice: `可以可以`. It sounds much more enthusiastic and natural!
Ability vs. Permission
Don't use `可以` for skills you've studied. If you say 'I can speak Chinese' with `可以`, people will think you're asking for a permit to speak!
In 15 Seconds
- Use it to ask for permission or give a green light.
- Place it before the verb to say you 'can' do something.
- Avoid it for learned skills; use it for possibility and permission.
What It Means
可以 (kěyǐ) is the Swiss Army knife of permission in Chinese. It basically means 'can,' 'may,' or 'it's okay.' If someone asks you a favor and you want to be helpful, this is your word. It is less about your physical ability to do something and more about whether it is allowed or possible in that moment.
How To Use It
You can use it as a full sentence or inside a bigger one. To ask a question, just add 吗 (ma) at the end. For example, 我可以进来吗? (May I come in?). To answer, just say 可以 for 'yes' or 不可以 for 'no.' It is very straightforward. You put it right before the action verb you are talking about. It feels natural and flows well in almost any sentence structure.
When To Use It
Use it when you are at a restaurant and need to ask for the bill. Use it when you are texting a friend to see if they are free to hang out. It is perfect for professional meetings when you want to suggest an idea. If you are at a shop and want to try on a shirt, 可以 is your best friend. It sounds polite but not overly stiff. It is the ultimate 'green light' word in Chinese culture.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use 可以 if you are talking about a skill you learned, like speaking a language. For that, use 会 (huì). If you say 我可以写汉字, it sounds like you are asking for permission to write them, not saying you know how. Also, avoid using 不可以 too harshly with elders or bosses. It can sound a bit like a parent scolding a child. In those cases, a softer 'not very convenient' is better.
Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, being agreeable is often valued. 可以 is a very 'safe' word because it is positive and cooperative. Interestingly, in modern slang, people sometimes repeat it like 可以可以 to show they are really impressed or totally on board. It has moved from a simple word of permission to a way of showing enthusiastic social support. It’s the verbal equivalent of a thumbs-up emoji.
Common Variations
You will often hear 行 (xíng), which is a bit more casual and common in Northern China. There is also 能 (néng), which focuses more on your physical capability or time availability. If you want to sound extra cool, you can say 没问题 (méi wèntí), which means 'no problem.' But if you are just starting out, sticking with 可以 will never lead you astray.
Usage Notes
Extremely versatile across all levels of formality. Be mindful that '不可以' can sound like a command when used by someone in a position of power.
The Double Tap
If you want to sound like a local when agreeing, say it twice: `可以可以`. It sounds much more enthusiastic and natural!
Ability vs. Permission
Don't use `可以` for skills you've studied. If you say 'I can speak Chinese' with `可以`, people will think you're asking for a permit to speak!
The Polite Refusal
Chinese people often find `不可以` too blunt. If you need to say no, try `不太方便` (not very convenient) to save everyone's face.
Examples
6我可以要一杯咖啡吗？
Can I have a cup of coffee?
A polite way to make a request at a business.
这里可以坐吗？
Can I sit here?
Short, effective, and essential for crowded spaces.
这个方案可以。
This plan is acceptable.
Used to give a professional 'okay' to a proposal.
明天下午可以吗？
Is tomorrow afternoon okay?
Checking availability for a hangout.
兄弟，你可以啊！
Bro, you're pretty good!
Slang usage to praise someone's talent.
你不可以这样做。
You cannot do this.
A firm way to say something isn't allowed.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to ask if you can enter the room.
我 ___ 进来吗？
`可以` is used for permission, whereas `会` is for skills.
How do you say 'It's okay' or 'Yes' simply?
A: 我们走吧？ B: ___。
`可以` alone functions as a complete affirmative response.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
How Formal is '可以'?
Used with friends (often doubled: '可以可以')
可以啊！
The sweet spot for daily life and shops
可以吗？
Acceptable in meetings, but '可行' is more formal
方案可以。
Where to use '可以'
Restaurant
Can I have the menu?
Office
Is this time okay?
Street
Can I take a photo?
Home
Can I watch TV?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt means 'can' or 'may.' It is primarily used to express permission or possibility, like 我可以去吗？ (May I go?).
Not usually. For learned skills like swimming, use 会 (huì). Use 可以 if you're asking if the pool is open for you to swim.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss, your teacher, or your best friend without any issues.
You say 不可以 (bù kěyǐ). Just be careful, as it can sound a bit strong or authoritative depending on your tone.
可以 is mostly about permission, while 能 (néng) is about physical ability or having the time to do something.
Yes! If someone asks a 'can I' question, simply replying 可以 is a perfect and complete 'yes.'
Repeating it makes the tone warmer and more casual. it shows you are happy to agree rather than just giving a dry 'yes.'
Yes, it is perfectly fine. For example, 我可以明天开始工作 (I can start work tomorrow) is professional and clear.
This is modern slang. It means 'You're awesome' or 'You've got skills.' It’s a high compliment!
In Northern China, people often use 行 (xíng) in the same way, but 可以 is understood and used everywhere.
Related Phrases
行
Okay / Will do (more casual)
没问题
No problem
能
To be able to (capability)
会
To know how to (learned skill)
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