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  3. Comparing 会 ("huì,"), 能 ("néng,"), 可以 ("kěyǐ")

Comparing 会 ("huì,"), 能 ("néng,"), 可以 ("kěyǐ")

会 huì

Grammar
HSK 3

Structure

会/能 + Verb 可以 / 能 + Verb 会 + Verb / Adj. 很 + 会/能 + Verb

Translations

  • which of 会, 能 and 可以 to use

Definition

会、能、可以都是汉语中表示“能够”的情态动词,但各有侧重。会强调通过学习获得的能力或对未来的推测;能强调自身具备的能力或条件允许;可以表示许可或可行性。

会 (huì), 能 (néng), and 可以 (kěyǐ) are modal verbs in Chinese meaning 'can' or 'be able to,' but with distinct nuances: 会 emphasizes learned skills or future possibility; 能 emphasizes inherent ability or permission from conditions; 可以 indicates permission or feasibility.

Usage

会用于表示通过学习获得的能力(如语言、技能)或对将来可能性的推测(会下雨)。能用于表示自身具备的能力(如身体能力)或在特定条件下可能(能来)。可以用于请求或给予许可(可以进来吗?)或表示某事可行(可以这么做)。

会 is used for learned abilities (e.g., languages, skills) or speculating about future possibilities (e.g., it will rain). 能 is used for inherent abilities (e.g., physical capability) or possibility under certain conditions (e.g., can come). 可以 is used for asking or granting permission (e.g., can I come in?) or indicating feasibility (e.g., can be done this way).

Examples

  • 1 我会说中文。 (I can speak Chinese.)
  • 2 明天会下雨。 (It will rain tomorrow.)
  • 3 他能跑得很快。 (He can run very fast.)
  • 4 对不起,我今天不能来。 (Sorry, I can't come today.)
  • 5 我可以进来吗? (May I come in?)
  • 6 这个字可以这样写。 (This character can be written this way.)
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