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  3. Expressing permission with 可以 ("ke3yi3")

Expressing permission with 可以 ("ke3yi3")

可以 kěyǐ

Verb
HSK 1

Structure

Subj. + 可以 + Verb + Obj. Subj. + 不 + 可以 + Verb + Obj.

Translations

  • Can
  • May

Definition

表示许可或允许，即准许某人做某事。

Indicates permission or allowance, i.e., allowing someone to do something.

Usage

通常用于询问或给予许可，放在动词前。肯定形式为'可以+动词'，否定形式为'不可以+动词'。也可以单独用'可以'回答。

Usually used to ask for or give permission, placed before the verb. Affirmative form is '可以 + verb', negative form is '不可以 + verb'. Can also be used alone to reply.

Examples

  • 1 我可以进来吗？(May I come in?)
  • 2 你可以用我的笔。(You may use my pen.)
  • 3 在这里不可以吸烟。(Smoking is not allowed here.)
  • 4 ——我可以问一个问题吗？——可以。(——May I ask a question?——Yes, you may.)
  • 5 学生可以参加这个活动吗？ (Can students participate in this activity?)

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