A1 Modal Verbs 13 min read Easy

Predicting the Future with 'Huì' (会 - will/going to)

Use {会|huì} to make predictions about the future or express what is likely to happen next.

Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use {会|huì} before a verb to express that something is likely to happen or that you have the skill to do it.

  • Use {会|huì} to predict future events: {明天|míngtiān} {会|huì} {下雨|xiàyǔ} (It will rain tomorrow).
  • Use {会|huì} to express learned skills: {我|wǒ} {会|huì} {说|shuō} {中文|zhōngwén} (I can speak Chinese).
  • Make it negative with {不会|bùhuì}: {他|tā} {不会|bùhuì} {来|lái} (He will not come).
Subject + 会 (huì) + Verb

Overview

Chinese, unlike English, does not have a grammatical future tense that requires verb conjugation. Instead, it employs various temporal indicators and modal verbs to express future actions and states. Among these, the modal verb 会 (huì) stands out as a primary indicator for predicting or expecting future events.

At the A1 level, you likely encountered 会 (huì) in the context of learned ability (e.g., 我会说中文 (wǒ huì shuō Zhōngwén) – "I can speak Chinese"). However, its function as a future marker is equally, if not more, prevalent in daily communication. This dual role can initially be a source of confusion, but context, particularly the presence of time words, typically clarifies its meaning.

When 会 (huì) is used to discuss the future, it conveys a sense of likelihood, prediction, or expectation. It's not about a fixed schedule or a firm intention, but rather an inference based on current information, observation, or a speaker's judgment. Think of it as expressing "will," "is going to," or "is likely to" in English, always implying a degree of probability.

Mastering this usage of 会 (huì) is fundamental for expressing future-oriented thoughts and observations in Chinese, moving beyond simple statements of intent or planned actions.

How This Grammar Works

The Chinese language relies heavily on context, time words, and modal verbs to express temporality. 会 (huì) acts as a modal verb, preceding the main verb or verb phrase, to signify that the action or state described by the verb is anticipated to occur in the future. The core linguistic principle here is that 会 (huì) introduces a subjunctive element – an expectation or prediction – rather than a declarative statement of present or past fact.
It signals to the listener that the speaker is making an informed guess about what will happen, often based on visible cues or logical deduction.
Consider the difference: 他来 (tā lái) means "He comes" or "He is coming" (present/habitual). 他会来 (tā huì lái) transforms this into "He will come" or "He is going to come." The 会 (huì) provides the crucial future orientation and sense of probability. Importantly, 会 (huì) typically refers to events that are not under the immediate control of the subject, or at least, the speaker is presenting them as an outcome rather than a direct intention.
For instance, you might say 明天会下雨 (míngtiān huì xiàyǔ) – "It will rain tomorrow," because rain is a predicted natural event, not a planned action. This distinction between prediction and intention is a cornerstone of understanding 会 (huì) versus other future expressions.
An interesting feature of 会 (huì) in future predictions is its frequent combination with the sentence-final particle 的 (de). While not mandatory, adding 的 (de) often intensifies the certainty or confidence of the prediction, or adds a reassuring tone. It can convey a sense of "definitely will" or "it's a given that." For example, 他会来的 (tā huì lái de) carries more weight than 他会来 (tā huì lái), suggesting a stronger conviction from the speaker.
This nuance is crucial for natural communication and often appears in contexts of encouragement, promises, or strong assertions.

Formation Pattern

1
The grammatical structure for using 会 (huì) to predict the future is straightforward, following the typical Subject-Modal-Verb-Object order of Chinese sentences. It is remarkably consistent across positive, negative, and interrogative forms.
2
1. Positive Statements:
3
To express that something will or is going to happen, simply place 会 (huì) before the main verb or verb phrase.
4
Structure: [Subject] + 会 (huì) + [Verb / Verb Phrase] (+ [Object])
5
| Subject | 会 (huì) | Verb / Verb Phrase | Object | Example Sentence | Meaning |
6
|:-------:|:--------:|:--------------------:|:------:|:------------------:|:-------:|
7
| 我 (wǒ) | 会 (huì) | 去 (qù) | 北京 (Běijīng) | 去北京。 | I will go to Beijing. |
8
| 她 (tā) | 会 (huì) | 喜欢 (xǐhuān) | 这个 (zhège) | 喜欢这个。 | She will like this. |
9
| 明天 (míngtiān) | 会 (huì) | 下雨 (xiàyǔ) | - | 明天下雨。 | It will rain tomorrow. |
10
2. Negative Statements:
11
To express that something will not or is not going to happen, negate 会 (huì) with 不 (bù). Remember the tone change for 不 (bù) before a fourth tone character like 会 (huì). 不 (bù) changes from (fourth tone) to (second tone).
12
Structure: [Subject] + 不会 (bú huì) + [Verb / Verb Phrase] (+ [Object])
13
| Subject | 不会 (bú huì) | Verb / Verb Phrase | Object | Example Sentence | Meaning |
14
|:-------:|:-------------:|:--------------------:|:------:|:------------------:|:-------:|
15
| 他 (tā) | 不会 (bú huì) | 来 (lái) | - | 不会来。 | He will not come. |
16
| 我 (wǒ) | 不会 (bú huì) | 忘记 (wàngjì) | 你 (nǐ) | 不会忘记你。 | I will not forget you. |
17
| 飞机 (fēijī) | 不会 (bú huì) | 晚点 (wǎndiǎn) | - | 飞机不会晚点。 | The plane will not be late. |
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3. Questions:
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There are two common ways to form questions about future predictions with 会 (huì):
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A. Using 吗 (ma): Add 吗 (ma) at the end of a positive statement.
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Structure: [Subject] + 会 (huì) + [Verb / Verb Phrase] (+ [Object]) + 吗 (ma)?
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去吗? (Nǐ huì qù ma?) – Will you go?
23
喜欢这个电影吗? (Tā huì xǐhuān zhège diànyǐng ma?) – Will he like this movie?
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B. Using the 会不会 (huì bú huì) A-not-A construction: This pattern asks "will or will not," implying a direct yes/no question about the prediction.
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Structure: [Subject] + 会不会 (huì bú huì) + [Verb / Verb Phrase] (+ [Object])?
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明天下雨会不会? (Míngtiān xiàyǔ huì bú huì?) – Will it rain tomorrow or not?
27
你们会不会来参加派对? (Nǐmen huì bú huì lái cānjiā pàiduì?) – Will you (plural) come to the party or not?

When To Use It

会 (huì) for future prediction is used in a wide array of contexts where you are expressing an expectation, forecast, or inference about something yet to occur. Its usage is pervasive in daily Chinese communication, often reflecting an analysis of current circumstances to project future outcomes.
  • Weather Forecasts and Natural Phenomena: This is one of the most common applications. Weather is beyond human control, making 会 (huì) the appropriate choice for predictions.
  • 明天很冷。 (Míngtiān huì hěn lěng.) – It will be very cold tomorrow.
  • 下午刮大风。 (Xiàwǔ huì guā dàfēng.) – There will be strong winds in the afternoon.
  • Predictions Based on Observation or Knowledge: When you deduce a future outcome from existing facts, tendencies, or general knowledge.
  • 他学习很努力,所以成功。 (Tā xuéxí hěn nǔlì, suǒyǐ huì chénggōng.) – He studies very hard, so he will succeed.
  • 听起来很有趣,我猜有很多人去。 (Tīng qǐlái hěn yǒuqù, wǒ cāi huì yǒu hěn duō rén qù.) – It sounds very interesting, I guess many people will go.
  • Promises and Reassurances: Though 要 (yào) can also convey intention, 会 (huì) combined with 的 (de) is frequently used to make firm promises or to offer comfort and certainty.
  • 你放心,我帮你的。 (Nǐ fàngxīn, wǒ huì bāng nǐ de.) – Don't worry, I will help you (I guarantee it).
  • 别担心,一切都好起来的。 (Bié dānxīn, yīqiè dōu huì hǎo qǐlái de.) – Don't worry, everything will get better.
  • Expected Outcomes in a Narrative or Scenario: When discussing a hypothetical future or describing what is likely to happen next in a story or situation.
  • 如果他知道了真相,他很生气。 (Rúguǒ tā zhīdào le zhēnxīang, tā huì hěn shēngqì.) – If he finds out the truth, he will be very angry.
  • 这款新手机一上市,肯定很受欢迎。 (Zhè kuǎn xīn shǒujī yī shàngshì, kěndìng huì hěn shòu huānyíng.) – As soon as this new phone is launched, it will definitely be very popular.
  • Predicting Trends or Future States: Discussing how things are likely to evolve or what a future situation will be like.
  • 十年后,世界变成什么样? (Shí nián hòu, shìjiè huì biànchéng shénmeyàng?) – What will the world be like in ten years?
  • 未来AI技术越来越成熟。 (Wèilái AI jìshù huì yuè lái yuè chéngshú.) – In the future, AI technology will become more and more mature.

Common Mistakes

Beginners often encounter specific challenges when using 会 (huì) for future prediction, primarily due to its dual meaning and overlap with other future-indicating expressions. Addressing these common pitfalls is crucial for accurate and natural communication.
  • Confusing 会 (huì) (prediction) with 会 (huì) (skill): This is perhaps the most frequent A1 mistake. While both use the same character, their meanings are distinct. The key to differentiation often lies in context, especially the presence of time expressions.
  • 我会开车 (wǒ huì kāichē) – "I can drive" (I possess the skill of driving).
  • 我明天会开车去公司 (wǒ míngtiān huì kāichē qù gōngsī) – "I will drive to the company tomorrow" (a future action). The adverb 明天 (míngtiān) signals future time, disambiguating 会 (huì) as a prediction of action, not skill.
  • Tip: If no specific time adverb is present, 会 (huì) followed by an activity verb usually implies skill. When a future time word is present, it almost always refers to a future prediction.
  • Confusing 会 (huì) (prediction) with 要 (yào) (intention/imminent action): Both can translate to "will" or "is going to" in English, but they carry different implications in Chinese.
  • 要 (yào) expresses a strong intention, desire, or an imminent action. It's about what someone plans to do or what is about to happen. Example: 我要去商店 (wǒ yào qù shāngdiàn) – "I am going to the store" (my plan/intention).
  • 会 (huì) expresses a prediction or expectation based on circumstances, often outside the speaker's direct control. Example: 天要下雨了 (tiān yào xiàyǔ le) – "It's about to rain" (imminent, often observed; the sky looks dark). 天会下雨 (tiān huì xiàyǔ) – "It will rain" (a prediction, perhaps from a forecast).
  • Using 会 (huì) when 要 (yào) is appropriate can make you sound like you are predicting your own actions rather than stating your intent, which can be unnatural or humorous to native speakers. For ordering food, for example, 我要一份炒饭 (wǒ yào yī fèn chǎofàn) ("I want a fried rice") is correct, not 我会点一份炒饭 (wǒ huì diǎn yī fèn chǎofàn) ("I will order a fried rice," which sounds like a prediction of your future action).
  • Omitting the main verb after 会 (huì): Like other modal verbs, 会 (huì) must be followed by a verb or verb phrase (unless the verb is clearly implied by context, which is more advanced). You cannot say 我明天会 (wǒ míngtiān huì) to mean "I will tomorrow." You need to specify what you will do: 我明天会去 (wǒ míngtiān huì qù) – "I will go tomorrow."
  • Over-reliance on 的 (de): While 的 (de) can add emphasis or reassurance, it is not always necessary. Overusing it can sound repetitive or overly dramatic in contexts where a simple prediction suffices. Learners should aim to use 的 (de) strategically for its intensifying effect rather than as a default addition.

Real Conversations

Understanding how 会 (huì) is integrated into everyday conversations, including casual digital communication, provides deeper insight into its natural usage and subtle implications. Native speakers often employ 会 (huì) to express informal predictions, reassurances, or to ponder future possibilities.

- Casual Chat (Texting/Messaging):

- A: 你明天会来吗? (Nǐ míngtiān huì lái ma?) – Will you come tomorrow?

- B: 嗯,我应该会去。 (Ńg, wǒ yīnggāi huì qù.) – Hmm, I probably will go. (combining 应该 (yīnggāi) with 会 (huì) to express probability)

- A: 别担心,他会准时到的。 (Bié dānxīn, tā huì zhǔnshí dào de.) – Don't worry, he'll definitely arrive on time. (using 的 (de) for reassurance)

- Making Observations/Predictions:

- 看这天气,下午会下雨吧。 (Kàn zhè tiānqì, xiàwǔ huì xiàyǔ ba.) – Looking at this weather, it'll rain in the afternoon, right?

- 这次考试应该不会太难。 (Zhè cì kǎoshì yīnggāi bú huì tài nán.) – This exam probably won't be too difficult.

- Promises/Commitments in an Informal Setting:

- 我一定会给你打电话的。 (Wǒ yīdìng huì gěi nǐ dǎ diànhuà de.) – I will definitely call you. (一定 (yīdìng) + 会 (huì) + 的 (de) for strong commitment)

- 别忘了带伞,不然会湿的! (Bié wàngle dài sǎn, bùrán huì shī de!) – Don't forget to bring an umbrella, otherwise you'll get wet!

- Discussing Future Trends/Hypotheticals:

- 你觉得明年房价会涨吗? (Nǐ juéde míngnián fángjià huì zhǎng ma?) – Do you think housing prices will rise next year?

- 如果大家都这么做,结果会怎么样? (Rúguǒ dàjiā dōu zhè me zuò, jiéguǒ huì zěnmeyàng?) – If everyone does this, what will be the result?

These examples illustrate that 会 (huì) is not confined to formal predictions but is a flexible tool for navigating future conversations across various registers. The addition of adverbs like 应该 (yīnggāi) (should/probably), 一定 (yīdìng) (definitely), or the particle 吧 (ba) (for asking confirmation) can fine-tune the degree of certainty expressed alongside 会 (huì).

Quick FAQ

  • Q: Can 会 (huì) be used for things that happened in the past?
  • No, 会 (huì) explicitly marks future events or predictions. For past events, you would use other aspect particles like 了 (le) (completion) or 过 (guò) (experience), or specific past time expressions. 会 (huì) is fundamentally forward-looking.
  • Q: Does 会 (huì) always need 的 (de) at the end?
  • No, 的 (de) is optional. Its inclusion adds a layer of emphasis, certainty, or reassurance to the prediction. A sentence like 他会来 (tā huì lái) is grammatically complete and correct. 他会来的 (tā huì lái de) simply implies a stronger conviction or expectation from the speaker.
  • Q: How do I express a negative prediction about a future habit or recurring event?
  • You can use 不会 (bú huì) with a frequency adverb or a phrase indicating recurrence. For example: 他以后不会再来了。 (Tā yǐhòu bú huì zài lái le.) – "He won't come again in the future." Or 这种事情不会经常发生。 (Zhè zhǒng shìqíng bú huì jīngcháng fāshēng.) – "This kind of thing won't happen often."
  • Q: What is the difference between 可能 (kěnéng) and 会 (huì)?
  • 可能 (kěnéng) means "possibly" or "maybe" and expresses a lower degree of probability than 会 (huì). If you are less certain about a future event, use 可能 (kěnéng). If you are fairly confident in your prediction, use 会 (huì). You can also combine them: 可能会 (kěnéng huì) means "it's possible that it will," indicating a moderate level of certainty.
  • Example: 他可能来。 (Tā kěnéng lái.) – "He might come." (less sure)
  • Example: 他会来。 (Tā huì lái.) – "He will come." (more sure)
  • Q: Can 会 (huì) be used to describe something that 'always' or 'inevitably' happens?
  • Yes, in a predictive sense. If something is a logical or natural consequence, 会 (huì) is appropriate. For instance, 冬天会下雪。 (Dōngtiān huì xià xuě.) – "It snows in winter" (predicting a seasonal norm). For expressing universal truths or scientific facts, you might use other structures, but 会 (huì) works for predictable patterns.
  • Q: Are there contexts where 会 (huì) for prediction sounds less natural, even if technically correct?
  • Yes. For very immediate, firm plans or intentions, especially those under the speaker's direct control, 要 (yào) or simply omitting any future marker and relying on a time word is often more natural. For example, when confirming a plan, 我明天去。 (Wǒ míngtiān qù.) ("I'm going tomorrow.") or 我明天要去。 (Wǒ míngtiān yào qù.) ("I'm going tomorrow.") sounds more direct than 我明天会去。 (Wǒ míngtiān huì qù.) which carries more of a predictive nuance rather than a statement of intent.

Formation of 'Huì' (会)

Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Subj + 会 + Verb
{我|wǒ} {会|huì} {去|qù}
Negative
Subj + 不会 + Verb
{我|wǒ} {不会|bùhuì} {去|qù}
Question
Subj + 会 + Verb + 吗
{你|nǐ} {会|huì} {去|qù} {吗|ma}?
Short Answer (Yes)
{会|huì}
Short Answer (No)
不会
{不会|bùhuì}
Past (Implied)
Subj + 会 + Verb
{他|tā} {会|huì} {来|lái} (He will come)

Meanings

The modal verb {会|huì} indicates a high probability of a future event or the possession of a skill acquired through learning.

1

Future Prediction

Something that is likely to occur based on evidence or expectation.

“{他|tā} {会|huì} {去|qù} {北京|běijīng}。”

“{今天|jīntiān} {会|huì} {下雪|xiàxuě}。”

2

Learned Ability

The ability to perform an action learned through study or practice.

“{我|wǒ} {会|huì} {开车|kāichē}。”

“{她|tā} {会|huì} {做饭|zuòfàn}。”

Reference Table

Reference table for Predicting the Future with 'Huì' (会 - will/going to)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Subj + 会 + Verb
{我|wǒ} {会|huì} {唱歌|chànggē}
Negative
Subj + 不会 + Verb
{我|wǒ} {不会|bùhuì} {唱歌|chànggē}
Question
Subj + 会 + Verb + 吗
{你|nǐ} {会|huì} {唱歌|chànggē} {吗|ma}?
Prediction
Subj + 会 + Verb
{明天|míngtiān} {会|huì} {下雨|xiàyǔ}
Ability
Subj + 会 + Verb
{他|tā} {会|huì} {写|xiě} {汉字|hànzì}
Deduction
Subj + 会 + Verb
{这|zhè} {会|huì} {很|hěn} {难|nán}
Habitual
Subj + 会 + Verb
{他|tā} {会|huì} {迟到|chídào}

Formality Spectrum

Formal
我 将 会 前往。

我 将 会 前往。 (General)

Neutral
我 会 去。

我 会 去。 (General)

Informal
我 会 去。

我 会 去。 (General)

Slang
我 去。

我 去。 (General)

Uses of 'Huì'

会 (huì)

Future

  • 明天 Tomorrow
  • 下雨 Rain

Skill

  • 说话 Speak
  • 做饭 Cook

Huì vs Néng

会 (Learned Skill)
会开车 Can drive
能 (Physical Ability)
能搬动 Can lift

Decision Flow

1

Is it a learned skill?

YES
Use 会
NO
Check if it's physical
2

Is it a future prediction?

YES
Use 会
NO
Use other modal

Common Verbs with Huì

🎓

Skills

  • 说 (speak)
  • 写 (write)
  • 做 (do)
📅

Events

  • 来 (come)
  • 去 (go)
  • 发生 (happen)

Examples by Level

1

{我|wǒ} {会|huì} {去|qù} {学校|xuéxiào}。

I will go to school.

2

{他|tā} {会|huì} {说|shuō} {中文|zhōngwén}。

He can speak Chinese.

3

{明天|míngtiān} {会|huì} {下雨|xiàyǔ}。

It will rain tomorrow.

4

{你|nǐ} {会|huì} {做饭|zuòfàn} {吗|ma}?

Can you cook?

1

{我|wǒ} {不会|bùhuì} {开车|kāichē}。

I cannot drive.

2

{这|zhè} {会|huì} {很|hěn} {贵|guì}。

This will be very expensive.

3

{他们|tāmen} {会|huì} {来|lái} {参加|cānjiā} {聚会|jùhuì}。

They will come to the party.

4

{你|nǐ} {会|huì} {用|yòng} {筷子|kuàizi} {吗|ma}?

Can you use chopsticks?

1

{我|wǒ} {觉得|juéde} {他|tā} {会|huì} {同意|tóngyì} {这个|zhège} {计划|jìhuà}。

I think he will agree to this plan.

2

{只要|zhǐyào} {你|nǐ} {努力|nǔlì}, {你|nǐ} {就|jiù} {会|huì} {成功|chénggōng}。

As long as you work hard, you will succeed.

3

{这|zhè} {种|zhǒng} {情况|qíngkuàng} {经常|jīngcháng} {会|huì} {发生|fāshēng}。

This kind of situation often happens.

4

{你|nǐ} {会|huì} {修|xiū} {电脑|diànnǎo} {吗|ma}?

Do you know how to fix computers?

1

{他|tā} {这么|zhème} {聪明|cōngmíng}, {一定|yīdìng} {会|huì} {解决|jiějué} {问题|wèntí} {的|de}。

He is so smart, he will definitely solve the problem.

2

{如果|rúguǒ} {明天|míngtiān} {天气|tiānqì} {好|hǎo}, {我们|wǒmen} {会|huì} {去|qù} {爬山|páshān}。

If the weather is good tomorrow, we will go hiking.

3

{这|zhè} {件事|jiànshì} {会|huì} {对|duì} {我们|wǒmen} {有|yǒu} {很大|hěndà} {的|de} {影响|yǐngxiǎng}。

This matter will have a big impact on us.

4

{你|nǐ} {会|huì} {弹|tán} {钢琴|gāngqín} {吗|ma}?

Can you play the piano?

1

{他|tā} {总是|zǒngshì} {会|huì} {在|zài} {关键|guānjiàn} {时刻|shíkè} {出现|chūxiàn}。

He always tends to appear at critical moments.

2

{这|zhè} {种|zhǒng} {错误|cuòwù} {是|shì} {会|huì} {避免|bìmiǎn} {的|de}。

This kind of error is avoidable.

3

{我|wǒ} {会|huì} {考虑|kǎolǜ} {你|nǐ} {的|de} {建议|jiànyì}。

I will consider your suggestion.

4

{他|tā} {会|huì} {这么|zhème} {说|shuō} {也|yě} {不|bù} {奇怪|qíguài}。

It's not surprising that he would say that.

1

{这|zhè} {在|zài} {学术界|xuéshùjiè} {会|huì} {被|bèi} {视为|shìwéi} {一种|yīzhǒng} {创新|chuàngxīn}。

This would be considered an innovation in academia.

2

{他|tā} {会|huì} {如此|rúcǐ} {固执|gùzhí} {也|yě} {是|shì} {有|yǒu} {原因|yuányīn} {的|de}。

There is a reason why he would be so stubborn.

3

{我们|wǒmen} {会|huì} {竭尽全力|jiéjìnquánlì} {完成|wánchéng} {任务|rènwù}。

We will do our utmost to complete the task.

4

{这|zhè} {种|zhǒng} {现象|xiànxiàng} {在|zài} {古代|gǔdài} {也|yě} {会|huì} {出现|chūxiàn}。

This phenomenon would also appear in ancient times.

Easily Confused

Predicting the Future with 'Huì' (会 - will/going to) vs 会 vs 能

Both mean 'can', but 'huì' is for learned skills and 'néng' is for physical ability.

Predicting the Future with 'Huì' (会 - will/going to) vs 会 vs 可以

Both mean 'can', but 'kěyǐ' is for permission.

Predicting the Future with 'Huì' (会 - will/going to) vs 会 vs 要

Both relate to the future, but 'yào' is for intention.

Common Mistakes

我 会 去 了

我 会 去

Don't add aspect markers like 'le' to the verb.

我 去 会

我 会 去

The modal must come before the verb.

我 会 呼吸

我 能 呼吸

Don't use 'huì' for innate physical functions.

会 我 去

我 会 去

Subject must come first.

他 会 游泳 吗

他 会 游泳 吗?

Remember the question particle.

明天 会 下雨 吗

明天 会 下雨 吗?

Correct question structure.

我 不 会 做饭

我 不 会 做饭

Correct negative placement.

他 会 来 参加 聚会 的

他 会 来 参加 聚会

Avoid unnecessary particles.

这 会 很难 的

这 会 很难

Keep it simple.

我 会 考虑 你的 建议 的

我 会 考虑 你的 建议

Avoid over-complicating.

他 总是 会 在 关键 时刻 出现 的

他 总是 会 在 关键 时刻 出现

Avoid redundant particles.

这 种 错误 是 会 避免 的

这 种 错误 是 会 被 避免 的

Passive voice needs 'bei'.

他 会 如此 固执 是 有 原因 的

他 会 如此 固执 是 有 原因 的

This is actually correct, but watch for register.

Sentence Patterns

我 会 ___。

明天 会 ___。

你 会 ___ 吗?

如果 ___, 我 会 ___。

Real World Usage

Texting constant

我 会 晚点 到。

Job Interview very common

我 会 用 Excel。

Weather Forecast common

明天 会 下雨。

Ordering Food occasional

这 会 很辣 吗?

Travel common

这辆 车 会 停 在 这里 吗?

Social Media common

我 会 永远 支持 你。

💡

Think 'Learned Skill'

Whenever you think of 'can' for a skill, immediately use 'huì'.
⚠️

Don't conjugate

The verb after 'huì' never changes. Keep it simple.
🎯

Future Prediction

Use 'huì' for any future event you are fairly sure about.
💬

Politeness

When asking about skills, use 'huì' to show interest.

Smart Tips

Ask yourself: 'Did I have to learn this?' If yes, use 'huì'.

我 能 说 中文 (Physical ability?) 我 会 说 中文 (Learned skill!)

Always use 'huì' for future weather.

明天 下雨 (No modal) 明天 会 下雨 (Correct!)

Put 'bù' before 'huì'.

我 会 不 去 我 不 会 去

Add 'ma' at the end.

你 会 去 你 会 去 吗?

Pronunciation

huì (like 'way' but falling)

Tone of Huì

Huì is a fourth tone, falling sharply.

Question

会...吗? ↑

Rising intonation at the end for questions.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Huì' as a 'Hui-t' (hit) of the future. If you have the skill to 'hit' the target, you 'huì' do it.

Visual Association

Imagine a person holding a book (learning) and pointing to the sky (future). The book represents skill, the sky represents the future.

Rhyme

For skills you learn or things to be, just put 'huì' before the verb, you see!

Story

Xiao Ming wants to learn to swim. He practices every day. Now he says, 'I can swim' (我会游泳). He looks at the clouds and says, 'It will rain' (会下雨). He is a master of 'huì'!

Word Web

会说会写会做会来会去会下雨会成功

Challenge

Write 3 sentences about things you can do and 3 sentences about things that will happen tomorrow.

Cultural Notes

Used in standard Mandarin for all future and skill contexts.

Similar usage, but sometimes '会' is used more frequently for 'can'.

They often map their own modal verbs to 'huì' when speaking Mandarin.

The character '会' originally meant 'to meet' or 'to gather'. Over time, it evolved to mean 'to understand' and then 'to be able to'.

Conversation Starters

你 会 说 几种 语言?

明天 会 下雨 吗?

你 会 做 什么 中国 菜?

你 觉得 明年 会 有 什么 变化?

Journal Prompts

List 3 things you can do.
Describe the weather for tomorrow.
What will you do this weekend?
What skills do you want to learn next year?

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with '会' or '不会'.

我 ___ 说 中文。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:
Speaking Chinese is a learned skill.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我 会 去
Modal verb comes before the main verb.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

他 会 游泳 了。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他 会 游泳
No aspect markers with modal verbs.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words in the correct order:

All words placed

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 明天 会 下雨
Subject + Modal + Verb.
Translate to Chinese. Translation

I can drive.

Answer starts with: 我 会...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我 会 开车
Driving is a learned skill.
Match the sentence to its meaning. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: He will come
Huì indicates future.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

Use '你', '会', '做饭', '吗'.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 你 会 做饭 吗?
Standard question structure.
Change to negative. Conjugation Drill

我 会 去。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我 不 会 去
Negative goes before modal.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank with '会' or '不会'.

我 ___ 说 中文。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:
Speaking Chinese is a learned skill.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我 会 去
Modal verb comes before the main verb.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

他 会 游泳 了。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他 会 游泳
No aspect markers with modal verbs.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

会 / 明天 / 下雨

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 明天 会 下雨
Subject + Modal + Verb.
Translate to Chinese. Translation

I can drive.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我 会 开车
Driving is a learned skill.
Match the sentence to its meaning. Match Pairs

Match '他会来' with meaning.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: He will come
Huì indicates future.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

Use '你', '会', '做饭', '吗'.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 你 会 做饭 吗?
Standard question structure.
Change to negative. Conjugation Drill

我 会 去。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我 不 会 去
Negative goes before modal.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

5 exercises
Reorder the words: 'The car will arrive soon.' Sentence Reorder

{会|huì} / {车|chē} / {到|dào} / {快|kuài}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {车|chē} {会|huì} {快|kuài} {到|dào}
Translate 'I will text you.' Translation

I will text you (send message).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {我|wǒ} {会|huì} {发|fā} {信息|xìnxī} {给|gěi} {你|nǐ}。
Match the Chinese to the English meaning. Match Pairs

Match the pairs

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched
Fill in: 'I won't be late.' Fill in the Blank

{我|wǒ} ___ {迟到|chídào} {的|de}。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {不会|bú huì}
Which one means 'It might rain' (weak prediction)? Multiple Choice

Choose the best fit:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {可能会|kěnéng huì} {下雨|xiàyǔ}

Score: /5

FAQ (8)

No, only for learned skills and future predictions.

No, the verb stays the same.

Use 'huì' for high probability.

It's neutral and used everywhere.

No, 'huì' is for future or skill.

Add 'ma' at the end.

'Huì' is learned, 'néng' is physical.

No, use 'kěyǐ'.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

In Other Languages

Spanish partial

Saber / Poder

Chinese 'huì' covers both skill and future prediction, while Spanish splits them.

French partial

Savoir / Pouvoir

Chinese 'huì' is also used for future probability, which French uses the future tense for.

German partial

Können

Chinese is more precise about the nature of the ability.

Japanese partial

Dekiru

Chinese 'huì' is a modal verb, whereas 'dekiru' is a verb.

Arabic low

Yastati'

Chinese uses different modals for different types of ability.

Chinese high

None.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

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