Got Skills? Using 会 (huì) for Learned Abilities
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use {会|huì} to express skills you have learned through practice or study.
- Use {会|huì} for learned skills: {我会开车|wǒ huì kāichē} (I can drive).
- Negative form is {不会|bù huì}: {我不会游泳|wǒ bù huì yóuyǒng} (I cannot swim).
- Question form uses {吗|ma}: {你会说中文吗|nǐ huì shuō zhōngwén ma} (Can you speak Chinese?).
Overview
When learning Chinese, you'll quickly encounter various ways to express the English word "can." Unlike English, which often uses a single modal verb for multiple meanings, Chinese differentiates ability based on its origin. The modal verb 会 (huì) specifically denotes an acquired ability or skill, something you've learned through study, practice, or effort. It signals that you possess a particular know-how, a competency gained over time.
Think of it as indicating "to know how to do something" or "to have learned a skill." This is distinct from innate capabilities or permission, which are expressed by other modal verbs.
At the A1 level, understanding 会 (huì) is fundamental because it allows you to talk about personal skills and accomplishments, from speaking a language to cooking a meal. It reflects a core principle in Chinese grammar where context and nuance are often embedded within the choice of specific words rather than through grammatical inflection. Mastery of 会 (huì) helps you accurately convey your learned proficiencies and avoid common misunderstandings that arise from directly translating the English "can."
For example, if you say 我会说汉语 (Wǒ huì shuō Hànyǔ), you are communicating that you have studied and acquired the skill of speaking Chinese. This implies a process of learning, perhaps through classes or self-study, and distinguishes it from simply being able to make sounds (an innate ability) or being allowed to speak (permission).
How This Grammar Works
会 (huì) functions as an auxiliary verb, also known as a modal verb, in Chinese. Its primary role is to modify the main verb that follows it, adding the specific meaning of "learned ability." Like other Chinese modal verbs, 会 (huì) is grammatically straightforward: it never changes its form. There are no conjugations for person, tense, or number, simplifying its application significantly for learners.会 (huì) in a sentence is fixed: it always comes before the main verb and any objects associated with that verb. This creates a clear and consistent pattern for expressing learned skills. The structure is essentially: Subject + 会 (huì) + Main Verb (+ Object).会 (huì) relatively easy to integrate into your sentence building.他会开车 (Tā huì kāichē). Here, 他 (tā) is the subject, 会 (huì) is the modal verb indicating a learned skill, and 开车 (kāichē) is the main verb phrase meaning "to drive a car." The sentence directly translates to "He knows how to drive." The presence of 会 (huì) immediately signals that driving is a skill he acquired, not an inherent capability or a permission granted.会 (huì) acts as a bridge between the subject and the action, specifying the nature of the ability to perform that action. Its unchanging form and fixed position are key characteristics that make Chinese modal verbs, including 会 (huì), relatively accessible for beginners. The challenge lies not in its form, but in understanding its precise meaning and differentiating it from other modal verbs that also translate to "can."会 (huì) never takes any suffixes or prefixes. It is a standalone unit that slots into the sentence structure, maintaining the fundamental Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) order of Chinese. For instance, in 你会弹吉他吗 (Nǐ huì tán jítā ma)?, 会 (huì) directly precedes 弹吉他 (tán jítā), which means "play guitar," a clear learned skill.Formation Pattern
会 (huì) follows consistent patterns for positive statements, negative statements, and questions. Understanding these structures is crucial for correct usage.
会 (huì) + Verb (+ Object).
会 (huì) is the modal verb indicating the learned ability.
她 | Tā | She |
会 | 会 | huì | can (knows how to) |
做饭 | zuòfàn | cook (make food) |
她会做饭 (Tā huì zuòfàn). (She knows how to cook.)
我哥哥会游泳 (Wǒ gēge huì yóuyǒng). – My older brother can swim. (He learned this skill.)
他会说日语 (Tā huì shuō Rìyǔ). – He can speak Japanese. (He studied and acquired this language skill.)
我的老师会画画 (Wǒ de lǎoshī huì huàhuà). – My teacher can paint. (Painting is an acquired artistic skill.)
不 (bù) directly before 会 (huì). The structure becomes: Subject + 不会 (bú huì) + Verb (+ Object).
不 (bù) (originally fourth tone) is followed by another fourth tone (会 (huì)), 不 (bù) changes to a second tone, becoming bú. So, 不会 is pronounced bú huì.
不 (bù) after 会 (huì) or before the main verb (*我会不游泳 is incorrect).
我 | Wǒ | I |
不会 | 不会 | bú huì | cannot (don't know how to) |
打篮球 | dǎ lánqiú | play basketball |
我不会打篮球 (Wǒ bú huì dǎ lánqiú). (I cannot play basketball / I don't know how to play basketball.)
她不会骑自行车 (Tā bú huì qí zìxíngchē). – She cannot ride a bicycle. (She never learned.)
我的同事不会用这个软件 (Wǒ de tóngshì bú huì yòng zhège ruǎnjiàn). – My colleague doesn't know how to use this software.
我们都不会做中餐 (Wǒmen dōu bú huì zuò Zhōngcān). – None of us know how to cook Chinese food.
吗 (ma) particle
吗 (ma) at the very end of a positive statement.
会 (huì) + Verb (+ Object) + 吗 (ma)?
你 | Nǐ | You |
会 | 会 | huì | can (know how to) |
开车 | kāichē | drive |
吗 | 吗 | ma | ? |
你会开车吗 (Nǐ huì kāichē ma)? (Can you drive? / Do you know how to drive?)
你会讲法语吗 (Nǐ huì jiǎng Fǎyǔ ma)? – Can you speak French?
他会修电脑吗 (Tā huì xiū diànnǎo ma)? – Can he fix computers?
你的妹妹会跳舞吗 (Nǐ de mèimei huì tiàowǔ ma)? – Can your younger sister dance?
会不会 (huì bu huì) + Verb (+ Object)?
你 | Nǐ | You |
会不会 | 会不会 | huì bu huì | can or cannot (know how or not) |
做菜 | zuòcài | cook (make dishes) |
你会不会做菜 (Nǐ huì bu huì zuòcài)? (Can you cook? / Do you know how to cook or not?)
她会不会打太极拳 (Tā huì bu huì dǎ tàijíquán)? – Can she do Tai Chi?
你们会不会滑雪 (Nǐmen huì bu huì huáxuě)? – Can you guys ski?
你朋友会不会弹钢琴 (Nǐ péngyou huì bu huì tán gāngqín)? – Can your friend play the piano?
吗 (ma) form is generally more neutral, while the 会不会 (huì bu huì) form can sometimes imply a slight expectation or a more direct inquiry.
When To Use It
会 (huì) is exclusively used to denote acquired abilities or skills that necessitate learning, training, or practice. If you had to put in effort to gain proficiency, 会 (huì) is the appropriate modal verb. This is a core distinction in Chinese that helps categorize different types of "can."会 (huì) is used:- Languages: Any language proficiency, whether speaking, reading, or writing, is a learned skill.
我会说英语和一点儿汉语 (Wǒ huì shuō Yīngyǔ hé yìdiǎnr Hànyǔ). – I can speak English and a little Chinese.他会看懂日文报纸 (Tā huì kàndǒng Rìwén bàozhǐ). – He can read Japanese newspapers.
- Musical Instruments: Playing any instrument requires deliberate practice.
她从小就会弹钢琴 (Tā cóngxiǎo jiù huì tán gāngqín). – She has been able to play the piano since she was a child.我不会拉小提琴 (Wǒ bú huì lā xiǎotíqín). – I can't play the violin.
- Sports and Physical Activities: Skills like swimming, cycling, dancing, or specific martial arts are acquired through training.
你会滑冰吗 (Nǐ huì huábīng ma)? – Can you ice skate?我的儿子会踢足球 (Wǒ de érzi huì tī zúqiú). – My son can play soccer.
- Artistic and Creative Skills: Drawing, painting, calligraphy, photography, or specific crafts are all learned.
她会设计漂亮的衣服 (Tā huì shèjì piàoliang de yīfu). – She can design beautiful clothes.我不会唱歌，但是我妹妹会 (Wǒ bú huì chànggē, dànshì wǒ mèimei huì). – I can't sing, but my younger sister can.
- Technical and Professional Skills: Operating machinery, using software, programming, or specific trades fall under this category.
你会用Photoshop吗 (Nǐ huì yòng Photoshop ma)? – Can you use Photoshop?他会修理汽车 (Tā huì xiūlǐ qìchē). – He can repair cars.
- Life Skills / Domestic Skills: Cooking, driving, knitting, or specific household repairs are learned abilities.
我的爸爸会做很多好吃的菜 (Wǒ de bàba huì zuò hěn duō hǎochī de cài). – My dad can cook many delicious dishes.你会开车吗 (Nǐ huì kāichē ma)? – Can you drive?
会 (huì). If an ability is innate (like breathing, eating), or if you are talking about permission or a temporary physical state, 会 (huì) is inappropriate. The emphasis is always on the knowledge or skill acquired.你会不会… (Nǐ huì bu huì…), they are often genuinely interested in your learned capabilities, which can be a point of connection and conversation. Therefore, using 会 (huì) correctly not only demonstrates your grammatical proficiency but also aligns with how skills are typically discussed in Chinese social contexts.Common Mistakes
会 (huì) due to direct translation from English or confusion with other modal verbs. Addressing these common pitfalls will significantly improve your accuracy.- Mistake 1: Confusing
会 (huì)with能 (néng)or可以 (kěyǐ)
会 (huì): Learned Ability / Know-how. You possess the skill because you learned it.我会说中文 (Wǒ huì shuō Zhōngwén). – I can speak Chinese (I learned it).能 (néng): Physical Capability / Circumstance Allows. You are physically capable, or external conditions permit the action. It doesn't imply you learned it.我能举起这个箱子 (Wǒ néng jǔqǐ zhège xiāngzi). – I can lift this box (I am strong enough).今天下雨，我们不能出去玩 (Jīntiān xiàyǔ, wǒmen bù néng chūqù wán). – It's raining today, we can't go out to play (circumstances don't allow).可以 (kěyǐ): Permission / Permissibility. You are allowed to do something, or it is suitable/acceptable to do so.你可以用我的笔 (Nǐ kěyǐ yòng wǒ de bǐ). – You can use my pen (I give you permission).这里可以拍照 (Zhèlǐ kěyǐ pāizhào). – You can take pictures here (it's allowed).
会 (huì) (Learned Skill) | 能 (néng) (Capability/Circumstance) | 可以 (kěyǐ) (Permission/Suitability) |我会开车 (Wǒ huì kāichē) – I know how to drive. | 我能开车 (Wǒ néng kāichē) – I'm able to drive right now (e.g., not drunk, not injured). | 我可以开车 (Wǒ kěyǐ kāichē) – I'm allowed to drive (e.g., have license, car available). |他会说法语 (Tā huì shuō Fǎyǔ) – He knows how to speak French. | 他现在不能说话 (Tā xiànzài bù néng shuōhuà) – He can't speak right now (e.g., sore throat). | 你可以在这里说英语 (Nǐ kěyǐ zài zhèlǐ shuō Yīngyǔ) – You can speak English here (it's permitted). |她会游泳 (Tā huì yóuyǒng) – She knows how to swim. | 我今天不能游泳 (Wǒ jīntiān bù néng yóuyǒng) – I can't swim today (e.g., pool closed, injured). | 你可以在这个湖里游泳 (Nǐ kěyǐ zài zhège hú lǐ yóuyǒng) – You can swim in this lake (it's allowed). |- Mistake 2: Incorrect Negation of
会 (huì)
不会 (bú huì). A common error is placing 不 (bù) after 会 (huì) or before the main verb.- Incorrect:
*我会不游泳 (Wǒ huì bù yóuyǒng). (This literally sounds like "I know how to not swim.") - Correct:
我不会游泳 (Wǒ bú huì yóuyǒng). – I don't know how to swim.
- Mistake 3: Using
会 (huì)for Innate Abilities
会 (huì) for actions that are natural or inherent to humans or animals, things that don't require conscious learning.- Incorrect:
*我会呼吸 (Wǒ huì hūxī). (I can breathe – implies you learned it, which is illogical.) - Correct: (Generally, you wouldn't state this unless it's about a medical condition, in which case
能 (néng)might be used:他现在不能呼吸 (Tā xiànzài bù néng hūxī)– He can't breathe right now.)
- Mistake 4: Using
会 (huì)for Knowing Facts or People
会 (huì) is for skills, not for factual knowledge or acquaintance. For knowing people, use 认识 (rènshi). For knowing facts or information, use 知道 (zhīdào).- Incorrect:
*我会他 (Wǒ huì tā). (This is grammatically very awkward and could be misinterpreted.) - Correct (knowing a person):
我认识他 (Wǒ rènshi tā). – I know him (I am acquainted with him). - Incorrect:
我会这个答案 (Wǒ huì zhège dá'àn). (Implies you learned the skill* of being this answer.) - Correct (knowing a fact):
我知道这个答案 (Wǒ zhīdào zhège dá'àn). – I know this answer.
- Mistake 5: Using
会 (huì)for Temporary Inability
会 (huì) is still used for the general ability, while 能 (néng) is used for the temporary inability.我哥哥会开车，但是他今天不能开，因为他病了 (Wǒ gēge huì kāichē, dànshì tā jīntiān bù néng kāi, yīnwèi tā bìng le). – My older brother knows how to drive, but he can't drive today because he's sick. (He possesses the skill (会), but lacks the current capability (不能) due to illness.)
会 (huì) and avoid common miscommunications.Real Conversations
Understanding how 会 (huì) is used in authentic dialogue is essential for practical communication. Native speakers use 会 (huì) to discuss personal skills, inquire about others' abilities, and even express boasting or humility.
1. Asking and Answering about Skills:
- Friend A: 你会做饭吗 (Nǐ huì zuòfàn ma)? (Do you know how to cook?)
- Friend B: 我会。你呢 (Wǒ huì. Nǐ ne)? (I can. How about you?)
- Friend A: 我不会，但是我会做沙拉 (Wǒ bú huì, dànshì wǒ huì zuò shālā). (I can't, but I can make salad.)
Observation*: Notice how a simple 我会 (Wǒ huì) or 我不会 (Wǒ bú huì) is sufficient as a short answer if the context is clear.
2. Expressing Proficiency (or lack thereof):
- Colleague 1: 你会用Excel吗 (Nǐ huì yòng Excel ma)? (Do you know how to use Excel?)
- Colleague 2: 我会一点儿，不是很熟练 (Wǒ huì yìdiǎnr, bú shì hěn shúliàn). (I know a little bit, not very proficiently.)
Observation*: Adding 一点儿 (yìdiǎnr) (a little bit) is a natural way to express partial proficiency, showing humility or an accurate assessment of one's skill level. 很 (hěn) can be used to emphasize high proficiency: 他很会讲故事 (Tā hěn huì jiǎng gùshì) – He's very good at telling stories.
3. Discussing Others' Abilities:
- Student 1: 小王会说三种语言 (Xiǎo Wáng huì shuō sān zhǒng yǔyán)! (Xiao Wang can speak three languages!)
- Student 2: 真的吗？他真厉害 (Zhēn de ma? Tā zhēn lìhai)! (Really? He's amazing!)
Observation*: 会 (huì) here highlights an impressive learned skill, naturally leading to expressions of admiration. It's often used to commend someone's talents.
4. Setting Expectations / Explaining Limitations:
- Manager: 谁会用那个新的软件 (Shéi huì yòng nàge xīn de ruǎnjiàn)? (Who knows how to use that new software?)
- Employee: 老板，我不会，但我可以学 (Lǎobǎn, wǒ bú huì, dàn wǒ kěyǐ xué). (Boss, I don't know how, but I can learn.)
Observation*: This shows a practical use in a professional setting, honestly stating a lack of skill (不会) but offering a solution (可以学 – can learn, implying willingness and capability).
5. Casual Observation:
- 我的狗会开门 (Wǒ de gǒu huì kāimén)! (My dog can open doors!)
Observation*: While 会 (huì) primarily for humans, it can be used for animals if they exhibit a learned trick or complex behavior, implying they were trained or figured it out through experience.
These examples demonstrate 会 (huì) in various social contexts, from casual chats to more formal inquiries. The key is to remember its core meaning of learned ability and observe how it naturally integrates into everyday Chinese conversations.
Quick FAQ
会 (huì) can clarify lingering doubts and reinforce your understanding.- Q1: Does
会 (huì)have any other meanings besides "learned ability"?
会 (huì) also serves as a modal verb indicating future probability or expectation, often translated as "will" or "be going to." The context usually makes the meaning clear.他明天会来吗 (Tā míngtiān huì lái ma)? – Will he come tomorrow? (Probability)外面要下雨了，你带伞会比较好 (Wàimiàn yào xiàyǔ le, nǐ dài sǎn huì bǐjiào hǎo). – It's going to rain outside, you'll be better off bringing an umbrella. (Expectation)
- Q2: Is the object always necessary after the verb when using
会 (huì)?
- Question:
你会开车吗 (Nǐ huì kāichē ma)? – Do you know how to drive? - Answer 1 (with object):
我会开车 (Wǒ huì kāichē). – I know how to drive. - Answer 2 (without object, common):
我会 (Wǒ huì). – I can (do). / I know how.
我不会 (Wǒ bú huì). – I cannot (do). / I don't know how.- Q3: Can I use adverbs with
会 (huì)to describe the quality of the skill?
很 (hěn) (very), 不 (bù) (not), or 一点儿 (yìdiǎnr) (a little bit) can be placed before 会 (huì) to modify the extent of the ability. However, 很 (hěn) is typically used in the pattern 很会 (hěn huì) to mean "very good at something" or "skilled at something," rather than simply "very can."她很会跳舞 (Tā hěn huì tiàowǔ). – She is very good at dancing.我只会说一点儿中文 (Wǒ zhǐ huì shuō yìdiǎnr Zhōngwén). – I can only speak a little Chinese.他不太会用电脑 (Tā bú tài huì yòng diànnǎo). – He's not very good at using computers.
- Q4: Is it ever rude to ask
你不会…吗 (Nǐ bú huì… ma)?
你不会…吗 (Nǐ bú huì… ma) implies a slight surprise or expectation that the person should know how to do something. While not inherently rude, it can sometimes carry a tone of disbelief or mild judgment, depending on the context and relationship between speakers. It's generally safer and more neutral to use 你会…吗 (Nǐ huì… ma) or 你会不会… (Nǐ huì bu huì…) for general inquiries.- Neutral:
你会用筷子吗 (Nǐ huì yòng kuàizi ma)? – Can you use chopsticks? - Potentially implying surprise:
你不会用筷子吗 (Nǐ bú huì yòng kuàizi ma)? – You can't use chopsticks (really)?
- Q5: What if the skill is not complex, like walking or eating?
会 (huì) is not typically used because these are not "learned skills" in the same way as, say, playing an instrument. If someone is unable to perform these due to an injury or illness, 能 (néng) would be used to express the temporary physical inability.他现在不能走路 (Tā xiànzài bù néng zǒulù). – He can't walk right now (due to injury). (Not*他不会走路which would imply he never learned to walk.)
会 (huì) in your Chinese communication.Modal Verb {会|huì} Structure
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Subject + 会 + Verb
|
{我会游泳|wǒ huì yóuyǒng}
|
|
Negative
|
Subject + 不会 + Verb
|
{我不会游泳|wǒ bù huì yóuyǒng}
|
|
Question
|
Subject + 会 + Verb + 吗
|
{你会游泳吗|nǐ huì yóuyǒng ma}
|
|
Short Answer (Yes)
|
会
|
{会|huì}
|
|
Short Answer (No)
|
不会
|
{不会|bù huì}
|
|
Past Ability
|
Subject + 会 + Verb
|
{我以前会弹琴|wǒ yǐqián huì tánqín}
|
Meanings
The modal verb {会|huì} indicates an ability acquired through learning, training, or practice.
Learned Ability
Ability acquired through study or practice.
“{我会弹钢琴|wǒ huì tán gāngqín}”
“{他会写汉字|tā huì xiě hànzì}”
Future Possibility
Something that is likely to happen.
“{明天会下雨|míngtiān huì xià yǔ}”
“{他会来吗|tā huì lái ma}”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Subj + 会 + Verb
|
{我会做饭|wǒ huì zuòfàn}
|
|
Negative
|
Subj + 不会 + Verb
|
{我不会做饭|wǒ bù huì zuòfàn}
|
|
Question
|
Subj + 会 + Verb + 吗
|
{你会做饭吗|nǐ huì zuòfàn ma}
|
|
Prediction
|
Subj + 会 + Verb
|
{明天会下雨|míngtiān huì xià yǔ}
|
|
Negative Prediction
|
Subj + 不会 + Verb
|
{他不会迟到|tā bù huì chídào}
|
|
Question Prediction
|
Subj + 会 + Verb + 吗
|
{他会来吗|tā huì lái ma}
|
Formality Spectrum
{您会说中文吗|nín huì shuō zhōngwén ma} (Meeting someone)
{你会说中文吗|nǐ huì shuō zhōngwén ma} (Meeting someone)
{你会说中文吗|nǐ huì shuō zhōngwén ma} (Meeting someone)
{会中文吗|huì zhōngwén ma} (Meeting someone)
Uses of {会|huì}
Ability
- 游泳 swim
- 开车 drive
Prediction
- 下雨 rain
- 迟到 late
会 vs 能
Examples by Level
{我会说中文|wǒ huì shuō zhōngwén}
I can speak Chinese
{你会游泳吗|nǐ huì yóuyǒng ma}
Can you swim?
{他不会开车|tā bù huì kāichē}
He cannot drive
{我们会做饭|wǒmen huì zuòfàn}
We can cook
{她会弹吉他吗|tā huì tán jítā ma}
Can she play the guitar?
{我不会用这个软件|wǒ bù huì yòng zhège ruǎnjiǎn}
I don't know how to use this software
{你会写汉字吗|nǐ huì xiě hànzì ma}
Can you write Chinese characters?
{他们不会说法语|tāmen bù huì shuō fǎyǔ}
They cannot speak French
{明天会下雨|míngtiān huì xià yǔ}
It will rain tomorrow
{这会很有意思|zhè huì hěn yǒuyìsi}
This will be very interesting
{他不会迟到的|tā bù huì chídào de}
He won't be late
{你会怎么做|nǐ huì zěnme zuò}
What would you do?
{这件事情会发生吗|zhè jiàn shìqíng huì fāshēng ma}
Will this happen?
{他应该会同意的|tā yīnggāi huì tóngyì de}
He should agree
{不会吧|bù huì ba}
No way! / That can't be true!
{这会是一个好机会|zhè huì shì yīgè hǎo jīhuì}
This will be a good opportunity
{他会这么做并不奇怪|tā huì zhème zuò bìng bù qíguài}
It's not surprising he would do this
{这不会是最后一次|zhè bù huì shì zuìhòu yīcì}
This won't be the last time
{你会发现这很有用|nǐ huì fāxiàn zhè hěn yǒuyòng}
You will find this very useful
{他会怎么想|tā huì zěnme xiǎng}
What would he think?
{此举会引发连锁反应|cǐ jǔ huì yǐnfā liánsuǒ fǎnyìng}
This action will trigger a chain reaction
{他不会轻易放弃的|tā bù huì qīngyì fàngqì de}
He won't give up easily
{这会是历史的转折点|zhè huì shì lìshǐ de zhuǎnzhédiǎn}
This will be a turning point in history
{谁会想到呢|shéi huì xiǎngdào ne}
Who would have thought?
Easily Confused
Both translate to 'can'.
Both can mean 'can'.
Both can imply future.
Common Mistakes
{我会中文|wǒ huì zhōngwén}
{我会说中文|wǒ huì shuō zhōngwén}
{会我游泳|huì wǒ yóuyǒng}
{我会游泳|wǒ huì yóuyǒng}
{我能游泳|wǒ néng yóuyǒng} (when meaning 'I learned to swim')
{我会游泳|wǒ huì yóuyǒng}
{我不游泳会|wǒ bù yóuyǒng huì}
{我不会游泳|wǒ bù huì yóuyǒng}
{你会游泳吗|nǐ huì yóuyǒng ma} -> {会|huì}
{我会|wǒ huì}
{他会做饭吗|tā huì zuòfàn ma} -> {他会做|tā huì zuò}
{他会|tā huì}
{我会去|wǒ huì qù} (meaning 'I have permission')
{我可以去|wǒ kěyǐ qù}
{这会发生|zhè huì fāshēng} (when it's a certainty)
{这一定会发生|zhè yīdìng huì fāshēng}
{他会来吗|tā huì lái ma} (when asking for permission)
{他能来吗|tā néng lái ma}
{我会做这个|wǒ huì zuò zhège} (when meaning 'I am able to do it now')
{我能做这个|wǒ néng zuò zhège}
{他会这么说|tā huì zhème shuō} (when meaning 'He is capable of saying that')
{他能说出这种话|tā néng shuō chū zhè zhǒng huà}
{这会是错的|zhè huì shì cuò de}
{这可能是错的|zhè kěnéng shì cuò de}
Sentence Patterns
Subject + 会 + ___ + Object
Subject + 不会 + ___ + Object
Subject + 会 + ___ + 吗?
Subject + 会 + ___ + 吗?
Real World Usage
{我会用Excel|wǒ huì yòng Excel}
{你会做这个吗|nǐ huì zuò zhège ma}?
{你不会迟到吧|nǐ bù huì chídào ba}?
{你会开车吗|nǐ huì kāichē ma}?
{你会做辣的吗|nǐ huì zuò là de ma}?
{我会写这个字|wǒ huì xiě zhège zì}
Don't forget the verb!
Permission vs Ability
Short answers
Future probability
Smart Tips
Check if you had to learn X. If yes, use {会|huì}.
Answer with {会|huì} or {不会|bù huì} to sound natural.
Add a verb! {会|huì} + Verb + Noun.
Use {会|huì} for probability.
Pronunciation
Tone of {会|huì}
It is a fourth tone (falling). Make sure it is sharp and quick.
Question intonation
{你会游泳吗|nǐ huì yóuyǒng ma}↗
The pitch rises at the end for a yes/no question.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of {会|huì} as 'Head' (the character looks a bit like a hat) — you need your head to learn a skill!
Visual Association
Imagine a person wearing a graduation cap (the 'hat' part of the character) while playing the piano. They learned it with their head!
Rhyme
If you learned it, use {会|huì}, it's the skill you'll always do.
Story
Little Bear wanted to learn to fish. He went to school. Now he says, '{我会钓鱼|wǒ huì diàoyú}'. He didn't know before, but now he does.
Word Web
Challenge
Write down 3 things you know how to do using '{我会...|wǒ huì...}' and 3 things you don't know how to do using '{我不会...|wǒ bù huì...}'.
Cultural Notes
Using {会|huì} to describe skills is very common in school and work settings.
Similar usage, but sometimes {能|néng} is used more frequently for general 'can'.
In Cantonese, the equivalent is {識|sik}, but in Mandarin, {会|huì} is the standard.
{会|huì} originally meant 'to meet' or 'to assemble'. Over time, it evolved to mean 'to understand' and then 'to be able to'.
Conversation Starters
{你会做什么菜|nǐ huì zuò shénme cài}?
{你会说几种语言|nǐ huì shuō jǐ zhǒng yǔyán}?
{你觉得明天会下雨吗|nǐ juéde míngtiān huì xià yǔ ma}?
{你认为他会同意吗|nǐ rènwéi tā huì tóngyì ma}?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
我不会___中文。
Which sentence is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
他会中文。
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
I can drive.
Answer starts with: 我会开...
明天___下雨。
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Subject: 我, Modal: 会, Verb: 弹琴
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises我不会___中文。
Which sentence is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
他会中文。
吗 / 会 / 你 / 游泳
I can drive.
明天___下雨。
你会开车吗？
Subject: 我, Modal: 会, Verb: 弹琴
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercises他 ___ 开车。
Translate: 'She is very good at dancing.'
Reorder: 说 (shuō) / 中文 (Zhōngwén) / 会 (huì) / 我 (wǒ)
Match 'don't know how to cook' to the correct Chinese phrase.
You want to ask if someone knows how to use a specific software.
你会不会做饭吗？(Can you cook?)
A: 你会弹吉他吗？ B: 我 ___。(Yes, I can.)
Translate: 'Cats cannot use computers.'
Reorder: 吗 (ma) / 游泳 (yóuyǒng) / 你 (nǐ) / 会 (huì)
Match 'physical ability' to the correct Chinese modal.
How do you say 'He cannot speak French'?
她 ___ 会拍照。(She is very good at taking photos.)
Score: /12
FAQ (8)
No, only for learned skills or future probability.
You must learn the verb! {会|huì} is a modal verb, it needs a main verb.
It is neutral and used in all registers.
Because {会|huì} requires a verb. {中文|zhōngwén} is a noun.
{会|huì} is learned, {能|néng} is physical/permission.
Yes, but you usually add a time word like {以前|yǐqián} (before).
Yes, it is standard Mandarin.
{不会|bù huì}.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Saber vs Poder
Spanish uses two different verbs; Chinese uses two different modals.
Savoir vs Pouvoir
French verbs conjugate; Chinese modals do not.
Können
German uses one word for both; Chinese uses two.
できる (dekiru)
Japanese is broader; Chinese is more specific.
يستطيع (yastati')
Arabic is a single verb system.
会 (huì)
N/A
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Continue With
Chinese Ability Verbs: When to use 'hui' or 'neng' (会 vs 能)
Overview Chinese, unlike English, uses distinct modal verbs to express different facets of "can" or "to be able to." Th...
Ba-Sentences with Modals: Can, Should, Want ({把|bǎ} + {能|néng})
Overview Mastering the `{把|bǎ}` construction is a hallmark of B2-level proficiency, but integrating it with modal verbs...
Related Grammar Rules
Chinese Modal Verbs: How to say 'Should' (应该 yīnggāi)
Overview In Chinese, the modal verb `应该 (yīnggāi)` is the cornerstone for expressing advisability, obligation, and log...
Polite Desires: Using 想 (xiǎng) to Want, Think, and Miss
Overview `想 (xiǎng)` is a highly versatile and fundamental Chinese character that plays a crucial role in expressing in...
Can You Do It? Modal Verb 能 (Physical Ability)
Overview Learning Chinese, you quickly encounter the concept of "can," but unlike English, Mandarin distinguishes betwee...
How to say 'Can' or 'Able To': 能 (néng)
Overview In Chinese, the English word "can" splinters into several distinct concepts, each conveyed by a different modal...
Using 想 (xiǎng) to Say 'Want To' or 'Miss'
Overview Ever felt a gentle wish to do something, or missed someone far away? In Chinese, one super useful word covers...
