In 15 Sekunden
- The most polite way to say 'yes' to a request.
- Combines 'certainly' and 'can' for an enthusiastic response.
- Perfect for both professional and casual social settings.
Bedeutung
This is the ultimate green light in Chinese. It is a warm, enthusiastic way to say 'yes' or 'sure' when someone asks for permission or a favor.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6A stranger asks to sit at your table
当然可以，请坐。
Of course, please sit.
A colleague asks to see a report
当然可以，我现在发给你。
Of course, I will send it to you now.
A friend asks to borrow your charger
当然可以！拿去吧。
Of course! Go ahead and take it.
Kultureller Hintergrund
Using this phrase helps maintain 'mianzi' (face) by being accommodating. The phrase is used similarly, but often with a slightly softer tone. It is a sign of a good team player to be quick with this phrase.
Smile!
Always smile when you say this. It makes the phrase sound much more genuine.
Don't over-use
If you say it to everything, it loses its meaning. Use it specifically for requests.
In 15 Sekunden
- The most polite way to say 'yes' to a request.
- Combines 'certainly' and 'can' for an enthusiastic response.
- Perfect for both professional and casual social settings.
What It Means
当然可以 is your go-to phrase for saying 'yes' with confidence. It combines 当然 (certainly) with 可以 (can/may). It sounds much more helpful than a plain 'yes.' It tells the other person you are happy to help. It removes any doubt about your answer.
How To Use It
Use it whenever someone asks for permission. If a friend asks to borrow a pen, say it. If a tourist asks for directions, lead with this. You can use it as a standalone sentence. You can also put it at the start of a longer answer. It works perfectly in person or over text. It makes you sound polite and approachable instantly.
When To Use It
Use it at a restaurant when asking for the menu. Use it at work when a colleague asks for a quick minute. It is great for social gatherings. If someone asks, 'Can I sit here?' this is the perfect response. It creates a friendly atmosphere immediately. It shows you are an open and helpful person.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using it for things that are impossible. Don't use it if you are actually annoyed by the request. It carries a positive energy, so saying it with a frown feels weird. Also, don't use it for deep philosophical questions. It is for practical 'can I' or 'is it okay' moments. If a boss asks if you finished a huge project, a simple 'yes' is better.
Cultural Background
Chinese culture values harmony and being helpful to others. Saying just 可以 (can) can sometimes feel a bit short or cold. Adding 当然 (of course) adds a layer of warmth. It signals that the request is no trouble at all. It is a small way to build 'guanxi' or social connection. It makes the other person feel respected and welcome.
Common Variations
当然(Dāngrán) - A shorter, punchier 'Of course.'没问题(Méi wèntí) - 'No problem,' which is very common.行啊(Xíng a) - A casual 'Sure thing' used with friends.当然行(Dāngrán xíng) - Another way to say 'Of course it works.'
Nutzungshinweise
This phrase is incredibly versatile and sits right in the middle of the formality scale. It is safe to use with everyone from your best friend to your waiter or a business partner.
Smile!
Always smile when you say this. It makes the phrase sound much more genuine.
Don't over-use
If you say it to everything, it loses its meaning. Use it specifically for requests.
Be helpful
In China, being helpful is a sign of respect. This phrase is your best tool for that.
Beispiele
6当然可以，请坐。
Of course, please sit.
Very polite and welcoming for public spaces.
当然可以，我现在发给你。
Of course, I will send it to you now.
Shows efficiency and willingness to help at work.
当然可以！拿去吧。
Of course! Go ahead and take it.
Casual and helpful between friends.
当然可以，但只能再吃一个。
Of course, but only one more.
Gentle but sets a boundary.
当然可以，没问题。
Of course, no problem.
A standard, safe response for tourists or strangers.
当然可以，人越多越好！
Of course, the more the merrier!
Shows high enthusiasm and hospitality.
Teste dich selbst
Which response is most polite when a friend asks to borrow your phone?
—我可以借你的手机吗？
This is the standard, polite way to grant permission.
Fill in the blank to complete the phrase.
—我可以坐这儿吗？ —______ ______。
This completes the standard permission phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 我们去吃饭吧？ B: ______ ______，我正好饿了。
This shows enthusiastic agreement to a plan.
Match the situation to the correct response.
Situation: A colleague asks if they can use your stapler.
This is the most professional and polite choice.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 Aufgaben—我可以借你的手机吗？
This is the standard, polite way to grant permission.
—我可以坐这儿吗？ —______ ______。
This completes the standard permission phrase.
A: 我们去吃饭吧？ B: ______ ______，我正好饿了。
This shows enthusiastic agreement to a plan.
Situation: A colleague asks if they can use your stapler.
This is the most professional and polite choice.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
6 FragenIt's not rude, but it can sound a bit cold. '当然可以' is much warmer.
Yes, it is perfectly professional and polite.
Don't use this phrase! Say '不好意思' (sorry) instead.
It's more like 'Of course you can'.
No, it's the same for one person or many.
Yes, it's very common in emails and texts.
Verwandte Redewendungen
没问题
synonymNo problem
好的
similarOkay
没关系
contrastIt doesn't matter
