A2 Modal Verbs 8 min read Easy

Asking Permission with 'kěyǐ' (可以)

Use 可以 for permission and possibility, but keep 会 for learned skills and 能 for physical ability.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use {可以|kěyǐ} before a verb to ask for or grant permission, similar to 'can' or 'may' in English.

  • Place {可以|kěyǐ} before the main verb: {我|wǒ} {可以|kěyǐ} {坐|zuò} {这儿|zhèr} {吗|ma}?
  • For negative, use {不可以|bù kěyǐ} or {不能|bù néng}: {你|nǐ} {不可以|bù kěyǐ} {抽烟|chōuyān}.
  • For questions, add {吗|ma} at the end: {我|wǒ} {可以|kěyǐ} {进来|jìnlái} {吗|ma}?
Subject + 可以 + Verb + (吗?)

Overview

Ever found yourself standing in a cool Shanghai cafe, eyeing a power outlet, but not knowing how to ask if you can plug in your laptop? Or maybe you're at a friend's house and want to know if it's cool to post that group selfie on Instagram? That’s where 可以 (kěyǐ) comes in.

It is your ultimate social permission slip in the Chinese-speaking world. Whether you are asking for a favor or checking the house rules, this word is your best friend.

Imagine 可以 as a green light. In the world of Chinese modal verbs, it primarily signals permission. While other words like 会 (huì) talk about your skills (like being able to code) and 能 (néng) talks about your physical ability (like being able to run a marathon), 可以 is all about the social "yes" or "no." It's the word you use to navigate the unspoken rules of a workplace, a classroom, or even a date.

If you've ever used "may I" in English to sound a bit more polite than "can I," you're already halfway to mastering 可以. But don't worry, it's way more common in Chinese than "may I" is in modern English texting. It's polite, it's clear, and it keeps you out of awkward social blunders.

Plus, it's super easy to drop into a sentence! Just remember, using it correctly makes you sound like a considerate person who respects boundaries, which is a total vibe in any culture.

How This Grammar Works

Think of 可以 as an "auxiliary" or "modal" verb. This means it doesn't like to stand alone; it wants to hang out with another verb to add some extra meaning. It basically modifies the action that follows it.
In English, we put words like "can" or "may" before the main action, and Chinese does the exact same thing. You place 可以 directly before the verb you're talking about. Want to ask if you can 用(yòng) (use) something?
Put 可以 first. Want to know if you can 走(zǒu) (leave)? Put 可以 first.
It’s like a prefix for permission. One of the best things about 可以 is that it doesn't change its form. There are no weird conjugations to memorize for different people.
Whether it's 我(wǒ) (I), 你(nǐ) (you), or 我们(wǒmen) (we), it stays exactly as 可以. It’s the ultimate "plug-and-play" grammar point. If you’re feeling lazy, you can even use 可以 as a one-word answer to a question.
If someone asks if they can sit here, a simple "可以(kěyǐ)" is a perfectly valid and friendly response. It’s like the verbal equivalent of a thumbs-up emoji. Just don't use it to talk about your secret talent for playing the ukulele—that's a different word!

Formation Pattern

1
Setting up a sentence with 可以 is as simple as ordering bubble tea on an app.
2
The Positive Statement: Subject + 可以 + Verb + (Object).
3
Example: 你(nǐ) 可以(kěyǐ) 喝(hē) 咖啡(kāfēi). (You can drink coffee.)
4
The Negative Statement: Subject + 不可以(bù kěyǐ) + Verb + (Object).
5
Example: 这里(zhèlǐ) 不可以(bù kěyǐ) 拍照(pāizhào). (You cannot take photos here.)
6
The Question (Option A): Subject + 可以 + Verb + (Object) + 吗(ma)?
7
Example: 我(wǒ) 可以(kěyǐ) 进来(jìnlai) 吗(ma)? (May I come in?)
8
The Question (Option B - The "A-not-A" style): Subject + 可不可以(kě bù kěyǐ) + Verb + (Object)?
9
Example: 我(wǒ) 可不可以(kě bù kěyǐ) 借(jiè) 你(nǐ) 的(de) 充电器(chōngdiànqì)? (Can I borrow your charger?)
10
Using the 可不可以(kě bù kěyǐ) version sounds a bit more conversational and direct. It’s like saying "Can or can't I?" but in a totally normal, non-confrontational way. Pro tip: when you negate it, 不可以(bù kěyǐ) is quite firm. It often sounds like a rule or a strict "no." If you just want to say you aren't able to do something because of a conflict, you might use 不能(bù néng) instead, but we'll get to that in the contrast section!

When To Use It

You’ll find yourself reaching for 可以 in three main scenarios.
  • Asking for Permission: This is the big one. Use it when you’re asking a teacher if you can hand in an assignment late, asking a boss if you can work from home, or asking a stranger if the seat next to them is taken. It shows you’re a polite person who doesn't just assume.
  • Giving Permission: Use it to be the "yes" person. "你(nǐ) 可以(kěyǐ) 用(yòng) 我(wǒ) 的(de) 电脑(diànnǎo)." (You can use my computer.) It’s a warm way to grant access or approval.
  • General Possibility or Suggestions: Sometimes 可以 isn't about rules; it's about what’s possible. If a friend asks for restaurant recommendations, you could say, "我们(wǒmen) 可以(kěyǐ) 去(qù) 那(nà) 家(jiā) 餐厅(cāntīng)." (We can go to that restaurant.) Here, you're suggesting a feasible option.
In the age of social media, 可以 is everywhere. You'll see it in TikTok comments like "这(zhè) 可以(kěyǐ) 有(yǒu)!" which basically means "This is a great idea!" or "I support this!" It’s also used when checking if a certain app features are available: "这(zhè) 个(ge) App(App) 可以(kěyǐ) 美颜(měiyán) 吗(ma)?" (Can this app beautify photos?) Basically, if there's an action and you need to know if it's allowed or possible, 可以 is your go-to. It’s the "unblocker" of Chinese conversation.

Common Mistakes

Even the best of us trip up sometimes. Here are the classic traps to avoid.
  • The "Skills" Trap: Don't use 可以 to say you can speak a language or play an instrument. If you say "我(wǒ) 可以(kěyǐ) 说(shuō) 中文(zhōngwén)," it sounds like someone finally gave you permission to speak it, rather than you actually knowing how. Use 会 (huì) for skills!
  • Double Negatives: Avoid saying 不不可以(bù bù kěyǐ). To say "cannot," just use 不可以(bù kěyǐ).
  • The "Physical Ability" Mistake: If you have a broken leg and can't walk, use 不能(bù néng), not 不可以(bù kěyǐ). Saying 不可以(bù kěyǐ) 走路(zǒulù) makes it sound like there's a law against you walking, which would be a very weird law indeed.
  • Wrong Placement: Never put the Subject after 可以. It’s not like the English "Can I..." where the order flips. In Chinese, the Subject always stays at the front. It's "我(wǒ) 可以(kěyǐ)..." always.
  • Overusing the "Permission" vibe: In some very formal situations, people might use even more polite phrases, but for 99% of your life as a student or young professional, 可以 is perfectly fine. Just don't use it for things that are completely out of human control, like "Can it rain tomorrow?" Weather doesn't need your permission!

Contrast With Similar Patterns

This is where most learners get a headache, but let's keep it simple.
  • 可以 vs 会 (huì): 会 is for things you had to learn. If you studied it (like swimming, typing, or Japanese), use 会. 可以 is for permission.
  • 可以 vs 能 (néng): This is the tricky one. 能 is about capacity and physical ability. "I can drink ten cups of coffee" (physical capacity) is 能. "I can drink coffee here" (it's allowed) is 可以. However, in modern casual Chinese, 能 and 可以 often overlap for "possibility." If you're suggesting an idea, both usually work. But for strict permission? Stick to 可以.
  • 可以 vs 行 (xíng): 行 is more like "okay" or "feasible." It’s often used as a response. If someone asks "可以(kěyǐ) 吗(ma)?", you can answer "行(xíng)!" It feels a bit more punchy and informal.
Think of it this way: 会 is in your head (knowledge), 能 is in your body (power), and 可以 is in the environment (permission/possibility). If you want to ask a girl out on a date, you'd ask if she 可以(kěyǐ) (is available/willing), not if she 会(huì) (knows how to date) or 能(néng) (is physically capable of dating). That would be a very awkward first impression!

Quick FAQ

Q

Can I use 可以 to ask for the bill at a restaurant?

Actually, it's better to just say "买单(mǎidān)!" But you could ask "我(wǒ) 可以(kěyǐ) 付钱(fùqián) 了(le) 吗(ma)?" (Can I pay now?), though it sounds a bit formal.

Q

Is 不可以 (bù kěyǐ) rude?

It's firm. If a child is doing something wrong, a parent says "不可以(bù kěyǐ)!" To be softer with friends, you might say "可能(kěnéng) 不(bù) 太(tài) 方便(fāngbiàn)" (It might not be very convenient).

Q

Can I use 可以 for "maybe"?

Not really. 可以 means "can." For "maybe," use 可能(kěnéng).

Q

What’s the difference between 可以 and 可以的?

Adding the 的(de) at the end makes it sound more encouraging or emphatic. It's like saying "It's totally fine!" or "You got this!"

Q

Is it okay to use 可以 in a job interview?

Yes! It’s great for asking about job duties or office culture. "我(wǒ) 可以(kěyǐ) 在(zài) 家(jiā) 工作(gōngzuò) 吗(ma)?" (Can I work from home?) is a common question these days!

Q

Does 可以 ever mean "pretty good"?

Yes! In slang, if someone asks how a movie was, you can say "还(hái) 可以(kěyǐ)," which means "It was alright" or "Not bad."

Formation of 'kěyǐ' sentences

Type Structure Example
Affirmative
Subj + 可以 + Verb
{我|wǒ} {可以|kěyǐ} {走|zǒu}.
Negative
Subj + 不可以 + Verb
{你|nǐ} {不可以|bù kěyǐ} {走|zǒu}.
Question
Subj + 可以 + Verb + 吗?
{我|wǒ} {可以|kěyǐ} {走|zǒu} {吗|ma}?
Short Answer (Yes)
可以
{可以|kěyǐ}.
Short Answer (No)
不可以
{不可以|bù kěyǐ}.
Adjective usage
Subj + (还) + 可以
{这|zhè} {个|gè} {还|hái} {可以|kěyǐ}.

Meanings

The modal verb {可以|kěyǐ} is used to express permission, possibility, or capability. In the context of permission, it functions like 'may' or 'can'.

1

Permission

Asking or granting permission to perform an action.

“{我|wǒ} {可以|kěyǐ} {走|zǒu} {吗|ma}?”

“{你|nǐ} {可以|kěyǐ} {坐|zuò} {这儿|zhèr}.”

2

Possibility

Indicating that something is possible or feasible.

“{这|zhè} {可以|kěyǐ} {做|zuò}.”

“{明天|míngtiān} {可以|kěyǐ} {去|qù}.”

3

Capability/Quality

Describing something as 'okay' or 'passable'.

“{他|tā} {汉语|hànyǔ} {说|shuō} {得|de} {还|hái} {可以|kěyǐ}.”

“{这|zhè} {个|gè} {菜|cài} {味道|wèidào} {可以|kěyǐ}.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Asking Permission with 'kěyǐ' (可以)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
S + 可以 + V
{我|wǒ} {可以|kěyǐ} {去|qù}.
Negative
S + 不可以 + V
{我|wǒ} {不可以|bù kěyǐ} {去|qù}.
Question
S + 可以 + V + 吗
{我|wǒ} {可以|kěyǐ} {去|qù} {吗|ma}?
Short Affirmative
可以
{可以|kěyǐ}.
Short Negative
不可以
{不可以|bù kěyǐ}.
Adjective
S + 还 + 可以
{这|zhè} {还|hái} {可以|kěyǐ}.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
{我|wǒ} {可以|kěyǐ} {坐|zuò} {在|zài} {这儿|zhèr} {吗|ma}?

{我|wǒ} {可以|kěyǐ} {坐|zuò} {在|zài} {这儿|zhèr} {吗|ma}? (Asking for a seat)

Neutral
{我|wǒ} {可以|kěyǐ} {坐|zuò} {这儿|zhèr} {吗|ma}?

{我|wǒ} {可以|kěyǐ} {坐|zuò} {这儿|zhèr} {吗|ma}? (Asking for a seat)

Informal
{我|wǒ} {能|néng} {坐|zuò} {这儿|zhèr} {吗|ma}?

{我|wǒ} {能|néng} {坐|zuò} {这儿|zhèr} {吗|ma}? (Asking for a seat)

Slang
{这儿|zhèr} {能|néng} {坐|zuò} {吗|ma}?

{这儿|zhèr} {能|néng} {坐|zuò} {吗|ma}? (Asking for a seat)

The Three Faces of 'kěyǐ'

可以

Permission

  • 可以走吗? Can I leave?

Possibility

  • 可以做 It is possible to do

Quality

  • 还可以 Not bad/Okay
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Examples by Level

1

{我|wǒ} {可以|kěyǐ} {喝|hē} {水|shuǐ} {吗|ma}?

Can I drink water?

2

{你|nǐ} {可以|kěyǐ} {去|qù}.

You can go.

3

{我|wǒ} {可以|kěyǐ} {坐|zuò} {这儿|zhèr} {吗|ma}?

Can I sit here?

4

{这|zhè} {个|gè} {可以|kěyǐ}.

This is okay.

1

{我们|wǒmen} {可以|kěyǐ} {现在|xiànzài} {走|zǒu} {吗|ma}?

Can we leave now?

2

{你|nǐ} {不可以|bù kěyǐ} {在|zài} {这儿|zhèr} {抽烟|chōuyān}.

You cannot smoke here.

3

{我|wǒ} {可以|kěyǐ} {用|yòng} {一下|yīxià} {你|nǐ} {的|de} {笔|bǐ} {吗|ma}?

Can I use your pen for a second?

4

{这|zhè} {里|lǐ} {可以|kěyǐ} {停车|tíngchē} {吗|ma}?

Can one park here?

1

{这|zhè} {个|gè} {方案|fāng'àn} {还|hái} {可以|kěyǐ}.

This plan is not bad.

2

{你|nǐ} {可以|kěyǐ} {把|bǎ} {书|shū} {给|gěi} {我|wǒ} {吗|ma}?

Could you give me the book?

3

{我|wǒ} {可以|kěyǐ} {不|bù} {去|qù} {吗|ma}?

Can I not go?

4

{这|zhè} {种|zhǒng} {情况|qíngkuàng} {下|xià} {可以|kěyǐ} {申请|shēnqǐng} {退款|tuìkuǎn}.

In this situation, one can apply for a refund.

1

{如果|rúguǒ} {你|nǐ} {有|yǒu} {时间|shíjiān}, {可以|kěyǐ} {帮|bāng} {我|wǒ} {一|yī} {下|xià} {吗|ma}?

If you have time, could you help me?

2

{这|zhè} {件|jiàn} {事情|shìqing} {不|bù} {可以|kěyǐ} {拖|tuō} {太|tài} {久|jiǔ}.

This matter cannot be dragged on for too long.

3

{你|nǐ} {觉得|juéde} {这|zhè} {样|yàng} {做|zuò} {可以|kěyǐ} {吗|ma}?

Do you think doing it this way is acceptable?

4

{没|méi} {问题|wèntí}, {这|zhè} {完全|wánquán} {可以|kěyǐ}.

No problem, this is perfectly fine.

1

{这|zhè} {种|zhǒng} {行为|xíngwéi} {是|shì} {不|bù} {可以|kěyǐ} {被|bèi} {接受|jiēshòu} {的|de}.

This kind of behavior is unacceptable.

2

{我|wǒ} {可以|kěyǐ} {认为|rènwéi} {你|nǐ} {在|zài} {开玩笑|kāiwánxiào} {吗|ma}?

May I assume you are joking?

3

{这|zhè} {不仅|bùjǐn} {可以|kěyǐ} {提高|tígāo} {效率|xiàolǜ}, {还|hái} {可以|kěyǐ} {节省|jiéshěng} {成本|chéngběn}.

This not only can improve efficiency but also save costs.

4

{这|zhè} {里|lǐ} {可以|kěyǐ} {看作|kànzuò} {是|shì} {一|yī} {个|gè} {转折点|zhuǎnzhédiǎn}.

This can be seen as a turning point.

1

{这|zhè} {事儿|shìr} {真|zhēn} {可以|kěyǐ}, {没|méi} {想到|xiǎngdào} {你|nǐ} {做|zuò} {到|dào} {了|le}.

This is really impressive; I didn't expect you to achieve it.

2

{若|ruò} {非|fēi} {必要|bìyào}, {不|bù} {可以|kěyǐ} {随意|suíyì} {更改|gēnggǎi} {流程|liúchéng}.

Unless necessary, one must not change the process arbitrarily.

3

{这|zhè} {人|rén} {的|de} {水平|shuǐpíng} {确实|quèshí} {可以|kěyǐ}.

This person's level is indeed quite good.

4

{可以|kěyǐ} {说|shuō}, {这|zhè} {是|shì} {我们|wǒmen} {最|zuì} {大|dà} {的|de} {成就|chéngjiù}.

It can be said that this is our greatest achievement.

Easily Confused

Asking Permission with 'kěyǐ' (可以) vs 能 (néng) vs. 可以 (kěyǐ)

Both mean 'can'. Learners mix them up because English uses 'can' for both.

Asking Permission with 'kěyǐ' (可以) vs 会 (huì) vs. 可以 (kěyǐ)

Both can imply capability.

Asking Permission with 'kěyǐ' (可以) vs 可以 (kěyǐ) vs. 行 (xíng)

Both mean 'okay' or 'it works'.

Common Mistakes

✗

我去可以吗

✓

我可以去吗

Modal verbs must come before the main verb.
✗

我可以吃吗

✓

我可以吃吗

This is actually correct, but often learners forget the 'ma'.
✗

我能可以去

✓

我可以去

Do not use two modals together.
✗

我不可以去

✓

我不可以去

This is correct, but 'bùnéng' is often more natural for 'cannot'.
✗

我可以游泳吗 (meaning ability)

✓

我会游泳

Use 'huì' for learned skills.
✗

不可以去吗

✓

不可以去吗

This is grammatically fine but sounds very blunt.
✗

我可以做吗

✓

我可以做吗

Correct, but ensure the context is permission.
✗

这不可以

✓

这不可以

Often 'bùxíng' is better for 'that won't work'.
✗

我可以去吗 (in a formal meeting)

✓

我能离开一下吗

Use more formal language in professional settings.
✗

他可以去

✓

他可以去

Ensure the subject is clear.
✗

这不可以被接受

✓

这不可接受

More concise, formal phrasing.
✗

我可以认为...

✓

可以认为...

Impersonal structures are better.
✗

这不可以

✓

这不妥

Use more sophisticated vocabulary.

Sentence Patterns

我可以___吗?

你不可以___。

如果___, 我可以___吗?

___是不可以___的。

Real World Usage

Classroom constant

{我|wǒ} {可以|kěyǐ} {去|qù} {洗手间|xǐshǒujiān} {吗|ma}?

Restaurant very common

{可以|kěyǐ} {给|gěi} {我|wǒ} {一|yī} {杯|bēi} {水|shuǐ} {吗|ma}?

Texting common

{可以|kěyǐ}!

Job Interview occasional

{我|wǒ} {可以|kěyǐ} {开始|kāishǐ} {介绍|jièshào} {吗|ma}?

Travel common

{这儿|zhèr} {可以|kěyǐ} {拍照|pāizhào} {吗|ma}?

Food Delivery App common

{可以|kěyǐ} {不|bù} {放|fàng} {辣|là} {吗|ma}?

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💡

Use 'ma' for questions

Always add 'ma' at the end of your 'kěyǐ' sentence to turn it into a question.
⚠️

Don't stack modals

Never use 'néng' and 'kěyǐ' together. Pick one!
🎯

Use as an adjective

You can use 'kěyǐ' to say something is 'not bad'. Try saying 'hái kěyǐ'!
💬

Politeness matters

In very formal situations, use 'kěyǐ ma' to sound more polite than just a direct request.

Smart Tips

Add 'yīxià' (a little) to make your request sound softer and more polite.

我可以问你吗？ → 我可以问你一下吗？

Use 'kěyǐ' as a standalone word to sound natural.

这可以。 → 可以。

Use 'hái kěyǐ' to mean 'not bad'.

这很好。 → 这还可以。

Use 'bù tài kěyǐ' to soften a refusal.

不可以。 → 不太可以。

Pronunciation

ké-yǐ

Tone change

kěyǐ is third tone + third tone. In speech, the first 'kě' often sounds like a second tone.

Question intonation

kěyǐ ma↑

Rising pitch at the end indicates a question.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'kěyǐ' as a 'key'—it unlocks the door to permission.

Visual Association

Imagine holding a golden key (kěyǐ) that opens a locked gate (the verb).

Rhyme

To ask if you can, use kěyǐ, it's the best plan!

Story

Xiao Ming wants to eat a cake. He asks his mom, 'Can I eat this?' His mom says, 'Yes, you can.' In Chinese, he says '{我|wǒ} {可以|kěyǐ} {吃|chī} {吗|ma}?' and she replies '{可以|kěyǐ}.'

Word Web

可以不可以能可能可以吗还可以

Challenge

For the next 5 minutes, ask 3 people (or yourself) permission for 3 different things using '{我|wǒ} {可以|kěyǐ} + verb + {吗|ma}?'

Cultural Notes

Using 'kěyǐ' is very common, but in formal settings, 'kěyǐ ma' might be replaced by more polite phrases.

Similar usage, but 'kěyǐ' is often used as a standalone 'okay'.

Often use 'hóyǐ' (Cantonese for kěyǐ) in mixed speech.

Composed of 'kě' (able) and 'yǐ' (by means of).

Conversation Starters

“

我可以问你一个问题吗？

“

我们可以现在去吃饭吗？

“

我可以借用一下你的电脑吗？

“

我可以对这个方案提出建议吗？

Journal Prompts

Write about a time you had to ask for permission.
Describe a place you are not allowed to go.
Discuss a rule at your workplace or school.
Reflect on how permission changes in different cultures.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with 'kěyǐ'.

我 ___ 坐这儿吗？

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 可以
Permission requires 'kěyǐ'.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我可以去吗
Subject + Modal + Verb is the correct order.
Fix the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

我游泳可以吗 (meaning I have the skill)?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我会游泳
Skills use 'huì'.
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: 我可以坐这儿吗
Standard question order.
Translate to Chinese. Translation

Can I drink water?

Answer starts with: 我可以...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我可以喝水吗
Standard structure.
Match the Chinese to English. Match Pairs

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

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1. Can 2. Cannot 3. Not bad
Basic vocabulary.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: 我可以进来吗? B: ___

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 可以
Simple affirmative response.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

Use: 我, 可以, 走, 吗

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我可以走吗
Correct structure.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank with 'kěyǐ'.

我 ___ 坐这儿吗？

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 可以
Permission requires 'kěyǐ'.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我可以去吗
Subject + Modal + Verb is the correct order.
Fix the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

我游泳可以吗 (meaning I have the skill)?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我会游泳
Skills use 'huì'.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

吗 / 我 / 坐 / 可以 / 这儿

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我可以坐这儿吗
Standard question order.
Translate to Chinese. Translation

Can I drink water?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我可以喝水吗
Standard structure.
Match the Chinese to English. Match Pairs

Match: 1. 可以 2. 不可以 3. 还可以

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1. Can 2. Cannot 3. Not bad
Basic vocabulary.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: 我可以进来吗? B: ___

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 可以
Simple affirmative response.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

Use: 我, 可以, 走, 吗

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我可以走吗
Correct structure.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Reorder to ask: 'Can we go home now?' Sentence Reorder

now / can / we / home / go / ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {我们|wǒmen} {现在|xiànzài} {可以|kěyǐ} {回家|huíjiā} {了|le} {吗|ma}？
Translate to Chinese: 'You may use my computer.' Translation

You may use my computer.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {你|nǐ} {可以|kěyǐ} {用|yòng} {我|wǒ} {的|de} {电脑|diànnǎo}。
Match the question to the correct response. Match Pairs

Match the pairs:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: all_matches
Fill in the negative form. Fill in the Blank

{这里|zhèlǐ} ___ {拍照|pāizhào}，{请|qǐng} {收|shōu} {起|qǐ} {相机|xiàngjī}。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 不可以
Which expresses a suggestion? Multiple Choice

Which sentence suggests a restaurant?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {我们|wǒmen} {可以|kěyǐ} {去|qù} {吃|chī} {麦当劳|màidāngláo}。
Fix the question order. Error Correction

{可以|kěyǐ} {我|wǒ} {借|jiè} {你|nǐ} {的|de} {笔|bǐ} {吗|ma}？

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {我|wǒ} {可以|kěyǐ} {借|jiè} {你|nǐ} {的|de} {笔|bǐ} {吗|ma}？
Translate: 'Can I add your WeChat?' Translation

Can I add your WeChat?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {我|wǒ} {可以|kěyǐ} {加|jiā} {你|nǐ} {的|de} {微信|wēixìn} {吗|ma}？
Reorder: 'You can sit here.' Sentence Reorder

can / you / sit / here / .

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {你|nǐ} {可以|kěyǐ} {坐|zuò} {这里|zhèlǐ}。
Which answer means 'Yes, you may'? Multiple Choice

Someone asks: '我可以进来吗？'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 可以。
Fill in the 'A-not-A' question form. Fill in the Blank

{你|nǐ} ___ {帮|bāng} {我|wǒ} {开|kāi} {个|ge} {门|mén}？

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 可不可以

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

No, 'kěyǐ' is for permission. Use 'huì' for skills and 'néng' for physical possibility.

It is neutral. It works in almost all situations.

It is a tone sandhi rule where two third tones together change the first one to a second tone.

'kěyǐ' means 'can/okay', while 'bùxíng' means 'it won't work/not allowed'.

Generally no, as modals don't take aspect particles directly.

Yes, it is very common in both formal and informal writing.

Use 'wǒ bùnéng' or 'wǒ méiyǒu bànfǎ'.

'kěyǐ' is a statement or answer, 'kěyǐ ma' is a question.

Scaffolded Practice

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2

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4

4

Mastery Progress

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Improving

Strong

Mastered

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In Other Languages

Spanish high

poder

Spanish conjugates for person, Chinese does not.

French high

pouvoir

French requires inversion or 'est-ce que' for questions.

German partial

können / dürfen

German has two separate verbs for what Chinese covers with 'kěyǐ' and 'néng'.

Japanese high

～てもいい (temo ii)

Japanese is agglutinative, Chinese is isolating.

Arabic moderate

يستطيع (yastati')

Arabic has complex root-based morphology.

Chinese n/a

可以

None.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
How to say 'Can' or 'Able To': 能 (néng)
Next
Should & Ought To: Giving Advice in Chinese (应该)

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