Expressing Possibility with 能 (néng)
能 when checking if circumstances, physics, or logistics allow an action to happen right now.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use {能|néng} to express physical ability, permission, or objective possibility in a sentence.
- Place {能|néng} before the main verb: 我{能|néng}去 (I can go).
- Negate with {不能|bùnéng}: 他{不能|bùnéng}来 (He cannot come).
- Form questions with {能...吗|néng...ma}: 你{能|néng}听见吗 (Can you hear me?).
Overview
In Chinese, expressing possibility is nuanced, moving beyond the single English modal verb "can." The character 能 (néng) serves as a crucial modal verb that fundamentally addresses objective possibility or current capacity. It answers the core question: "Do present conditions, whether internal or external, permit this action or state to occur?" This contrasts distinctly with 会 (huì), which denotes a learned skill or a future likelihood, and 可以 (kěyǐ), which signifies permission or subjective advisability. For learners at the B1 level, mastering 能 unlocks the ability to articulate constraints, opportunities, and inherent capabilities with precision.
能 is rooted in classical Chinese, where it often signified ability or capacity, as seen in phrases like 能量 (néngliàng, energy, capacity). This historical usage underscores its modern function, emphasizing the fundamental power or condition that allows something to be. Understanding 能 is not merely about translating "can"; it's about grasping a specific modal logic that is integral to effective communication in Chinese.
How This Grammar Works
能 functions as an auxiliary verb (助动词 zhùdòngcí) or modal verb that directly precedes the main verb in a sentence. Its primary role is to modify the verb's meaning by introducing the concept of possibility, feasibility, or inherent capability under current circumstances. Unlike English, where "can" can express learned ability, permission, or possibility interchangeably, Chinese systematically differentiates these meanings, with 能 focusing specifically on the enabling conditions.能 is introduced, it inserts itself between the subject and the verb, creating the pattern: Subject + 能 + Verb + (Object). This placement highlights its function as a modifier of the verb's potential for realization.我游泳 (wǒ yóuyǒng, I swim) describes an action. 我能游泳 (wǒ néng yóuyǒng, I can swim) adds the modal layer, indicating that the speaker is currently able to swim (e.g., they are healthy, there's a pool available, they aren't tied up).能 thus becomes a crucial tool for describing the objective truth of a situation: what is genuinely possible, physically or circumstantially.这条路能走吗？(Zhè tiáo lù néng zǒu ma?) – "Can this road be walked on?" (Is it passable?) This asks about the road's condition, not anyone's walking skill.他病了，不能来上课。(Tā bìng le, bùnéng lái shàngkè.) – "He's sick, he can't come to class." (His illness prevents him.) His sickness creates a situational impossibility.我的手机电池还能用一天。(Wǒ de shǒujī diànchí hái néng yòng yī tiān.) – "My phone battery can still last one more day." (It has the capacity.) The battery's remaining capacity allows for another day's use.
Formation Pattern
能 into sentences is highly regular and straightforward. As a modal verb, 能 always precedes the main verb. Its negation is consistently formed with 不 (bù), and questions can be structured using 吗 (ma) or the A-not-A format.
能 directly before the main verb. This indicates that the subject possesses the current ability or that conditions permit the action.
能 | Verb | (Object) | Pinyin | Translation |
wǒ) | 能 | 看到 (kàndào) | 你 (nǐ) | wǒ néng kàndào nǐ | I can see you. |
zhè jiā shāngdiàn) | 能 | 提供 (tígōng) | 配送服务 (pèisòng fúwù) | zhè jiā shāngdiàn néng tígōng pèisòng fúwù | This store can provide delivery service. |
tā) | 能 | 完成 (wánchéng) | 这个任务 (zhège rènwù) | tā néng wánchéng zhège rènwù | He is able to complete this task. |
不 (bù) is placed before 能. The construction is Subject + 不能 + Verb + (Object). There are no alternative negations for 能 when discussing feasibility.
不能 | Verb | (Object) | Pinyin | Translation |
jīntiān) | 不能 | 去 (qù) | 游泳 (yóuyǒng) | jīntiān bùnéng qù yóuyǒng | Can't go swimming today. |
wǒ de diànnǎo) | 不能 | 运行 (yùnxíng) | 这个软件 (zhège ruǎnjiàn) | wǒ de diànnǎo bùnéng yùnxíng zhège ruǎnjiàn | My computer can't run this software. |
wǒ) | 不能 | 吃 (chī) | 辣的 (là de) | wǒ bùnéng chī là de | I can't eat spicy food (physically/due to health). |
能:
吗 (ma): This is the most straightforward way to ask if something is possible or if someone is capable.
能 | Verb | (Object) | 吗 | Pinyin | Translation |
nǐ) | 能 | 来 (lái) | 参加吗 (cānjiā ma) | ? | nǐ néng lái cānjiā ma? | Can you come and participate? |
zhèr) | 能 | 停车 (tíngchē) | 吗 | ? | zhèr néng tíngchē ma? | Can one park here? |
能不能): This structure is more direct and sometimes implies a stronger expectation or urgency. It asks "can or cannot?" and often requires a simple yes/no answer, or an explanation of why not.
能 | 不能 | Verb | (Object) | Pinyin | Translation |
nǐ) | 能 | 不能 | 帮我 (bāng wǒ) | ？ | nǐ néng bùnéng bāng wǒ? | Can you (or can you not) help me? |
wǒmen) | 能 | 不能 | 提前 (tíqián) | 离开 (líkāi)？ | wǒmen néng bùnéng tíqián líkāi? | Can we (or can we not) leave early? |
能不能 structure can sometimes feel more direct or insistent than 能...吗?, especially if a request has been made previously. It puts the onus on the listener to confirm or deny the possibility. However, it's generally not considered rude, just more concise.
When To Use It
能 is employed in situations where the central theme is possibility based on objective conditions or inherent capacity. It is distinct from learned abilities (会) and explicit permission or appropriateness (可以). Master its use by focusing on these core contexts:- Physical Capacity and Capability: Use
能to discuss whether a person or object possesses the current physical ability to perform an action. This is about physical limitations, health, strength, or the functional state of an item. 我最近太累了，今天晚上不能加班。(Wǒ zuìjìn tài lèi le, jīntiān wǎnshang bùnéng jiābān.) – "I've been too tired recently, I can't work overtime tonight." (My body doesn't have the capacity.)这种小车能坐五个人。(Zhè zhǒng xiǎochē néng zuò wǔ gè rén.) – "This small car can seat five people." (Its design capacity allows it.)他的腿受伤了，现在还不能走路。(Tā de tuǐ shòushāng le, xiànzài hái bùnéng zǒulù.) – "His leg is injured, he still can't walk now." (His injury physically prevents him.)
- Situational Possibility and Circumstance: This is perhaps the most frequent use of
能.能indicates whether external factors—such as time, money, environment, rules, or other people's schedules—allow an action to take place. It's about whether the conditions are enabling. 你明天下午能来我家吗？(Nǐ míngtiān xiàwǔ néng lái wǒ jiā ma?) – "Can you come to my house tomorrow afternoon?" (Do your circumstances/schedule allow it?)这个周末天气不好，我们不能去爬山了。(Zhège zhōumò tiānqì bù hǎo, wǒmen bùnéng qù páshān le.) – "The weather isn't good this weekend, we can't go hiking." (Weather conditions prevent it.)公司规定，上班时间不能玩手机。(Gōngsī guīdìng, shàngbān shíjiān bùnéng wán shǒujī.) – "Company rules state that you can't play on your phone during work hours." (The rules make it situationally impossible/prohibited.)
- Logical or Objective Possibility: When something is inherently possible or impossible based on its nature or logic,
能is used. This can often overlap with scientific or universal truths. 水在零度以下能结冰。(Shuǐ zài língdù yǐxià néng jiébīng.) – "Water can freeze below zero degrees." (It is scientifically possible.)一个人不可能什么都知道，所以不能怪他。(Yī gè rén bù kěnéng shénme dōu zhīdào, suǒyǐ bùnéng guài tā.) – "One person can't know everything, so don't blame him." (It's logically impossible for one person to know everything.)
- Implied Permission (derived from possibility): While
可以is typically for explicit permission,能can also imply permission when the question is about the feasibility of an action, which then inherently grants or denies permission. This is particularly common in casual inquiries. 我能坐在这里吗？(Wǒ néng zuò zài zhèlǐ ma?) – "Can I sit here?" (Is it physically possible/available, which implies permission.) This is often interchangeable with我可以坐在这里吗？but能focuses more on the physical availability of the seat.这个软件能免费下载吗？(Zhège ruǎnjiàn néng miǎnfèi xiàzài ma?) – "Can this software be downloaded for free?" (Is it possible to do so, which implies permission or availability.)
- Restoration or Acquisition of Capacity:
能is used to indicate that a previous inability has been overcome, or a new capacity has been gained (not necessarily a skill, but a functional ability). 我病好以后，现在能吃很多东西了。(Wǒ bìng hǎo yǐhòu, xiànzài néng chī hěn duō dōngxi le.) – "After I recovered from my illness, I can eat a lot now." (The physical capacity to eat has returned.)
Common Mistakes
能 due to the broad scope of "can" in English. Understanding the specific contexts where 能 is not appropriate is as crucial as knowing when to use it.- Confusing
能with会(Learned Skill vs. Current Feasibility):
会 (huì) refers to a learned skill or knowledge. 能 refers to current physical or circumstantial possibility. If you learned how to do something, use 会. If conditions allow you to do it now, use 能.- Incorrect:
我能说汉语。(Wǒ néng shuō Hànyǔ.) – (Literally: My circumstances allow me to speak Chinese, or I am physically capable of speaking Chinese, e.g., my mouth isn't taped shut.) - Correct:
我会说汉语。(Wǒ huì shuō Hànyǔ.) – "I can speak Chinese." (I learned how to.) - Context where
能is correct for language:我病了，今天不能说话。(Wǒ bìng le, jīntiān bùnéng shuōhuà.) – "I'm sick, I can't speak today." (Due to illness, physically unable.)
- Confusing
能with可以(Objective Possibility vs. Explicit Permission/Suitability):
可以 (kěyǐ) is about explicit permission (granted by an authority or rule) or suitability/appropriateness. 能 is about objective possibility.我今天能走吗？(Wǒ jīntiān néng zǒu ma?) – "Can I leave today?" (Are my circumstances such that I can leave? Do I have work? Is it raining?)我今天可以走吗？(Wǒ jīntiān kěyǐ zǒu ma?) – "May I leave today?" (Am I permitted to leave?)- If a teacher tells you:
你可以走了。(Nǐ kěyǐ zǒu le.), it means "You may leave now" (permission granted). If someone says:你现在不能走。(Nǐ xiànzài bùnéng zǒu.), it might mean "You can't leave now" (e.g., the door is locked, or it's simply not possible due to a situation).
- Incorrect Negation for Specific Meanings: Learners sometimes use
不会(bù huì) or不肯(bù kěn) when不能is required. 不会means "will not know how to," "is unlikely to," or "will not." It implies a lack of learned skill or a prediction of unlikelihood.他不会游泳。(Tā bù huì yóuyǒng.) – "He doesn't know how to swim."不肯means "unwilling to" or "refuse to."他太忙了，不肯帮我。(Tā tài máng le, bù kěn bāng wǒ.) – "He's too busy, he's unwilling to help me."- For objective impossibility or current lack of capacity, always use
不能. 我今天不能加班。(Wǒ jīntiān bùnéng jiābān.) – "I can't work overtime today." (Due to circumstances, not unwillingness or lack of skill.)
- Overusing
能when a simpler verb suffices: Sometimes, a modal verb isn't necessary. If the possibility is implied by context or the verb itself, adding能can sound redundant or unnatural. - Less natural:
我能吃饭。(Wǒ néng chīfàn.) – (Unless you're recovering from an illness and just regained the ability to eat.) - More natural:
我吃饭了。(Wǒ chīfàn le.) – "I ate." or我想吃饭。(Wǒ xiǎng chīfàn.) – "I want to eat."
- Using
能for Future Likelihood/Prediction without Conditions:能implies possibility given present conditions. If you're simply predicting a future event without stating enabling conditions,会or可能(kěnéng, perhaps/possible) are more appropriate. - Incorrect:
他明天能来。(Tā míngtiān néng lái.) – (Unless there's a specific reason preventing him from coming, and now that reason is gone, e.g. he was sick and now he's better). - Correct:
他明天会来。(Tā míngtiān huì lái.) – "He will come tomorrow." (Prediction). - Correct:
他明天可能会来。(Tā míngtiān kěnéng huì lái.) – "He might come tomorrow." (Possibility/likelihood).
Real Conversations
In modern Chinese communication, 能 is pervasive, reflecting its fundamental role in discussing practicalities. You'll encounter it across various registers, from casual chat to formal reports. Its usage often reflects a direct assessment of reality.
- Texting and Instant Messaging: 能 is frequently used to quickly ascertain availability or feasibility.
- 你今晚能出来吗？ (Nǐ jīn wǎn néng chūlái ma?) – "Can you come out tonight?" (Are you free, are circumstances permitting?)
- 抱歉，我不能。有点事。 (Bàoqiàn, wǒ bùnéng. Yǒudiǎn shì.) – "Sorry, I can't. I have something (to do)." (Circumstances prevent me.)
- 好的，我五点能到。 (Hǎo de, wǒ wǔ diǎn néng dào.) – "Okay, I can arrive at five." (My schedule allows it.)
- Work and Professional Settings: In a business context, 能 is vital for discussing project timelines, resource availability, and operational capabilities. It maintains a professional, objective tone.
- 这个项目我们能按时完成吗？ (Zhège xiàngmù wǒmen néng ànshí wánchéng ma?) – "Can we complete this project on time?" (Is it feasible given our resources and timeline?)
- 目前的技术还不能支持这个功能。 (Mùqián de jìshù hái bùnéng zhīchí zhège gōngnéng.) – "Current technology cannot yet support this feature." (Technological limitations make it impossible.)
- 请问，您能提供更多细节吗？ (Qǐngwèn, nín néng tígōng gèng duō xìjié ma?) – "May I ask, are you able to provide more details?" (Are you in a position/do you have the information to provide more details?)
- Casual Conversation: In daily life, 能 helps navigate logistics, express physical states, and make everyday inquiries.
- 这个椅子能修好吗？ (Zhège yǐzi néng xiūhǎo ma?) – "Can this chair be fixed?" (Is it repairable, possible to restore its function?)
- 哎呀，我喝醉了，不能开车。 (Āiyā, wǒ hē zuì le, bùnéng kāichē.) – "Oh no, I'm drunk, I can't drive." (Physical condition prevents driving.)
- 这碗面太辣了，我真不能吃。 (Zhè wǎn miàn tài là le, wǒ zhēn bùnéng chī.) – "This bowl of noodles is too spicy, I really can't eat it." (My tolerance physically prevents me.)
- Customer Service / Retail: When inquiring about services or product capabilities.
- 请问，你们能送货到家吗？ (Qǐngwèn, nǐmen néng sònghuò dào jiā ma?) – "Excuse me, can you deliver to my home?" (Is it within your service capability?)
- 这个优惠券能用吗？ (Zhège yōuhuìquàn néng yòng ma?) – "Can this coupon be used?" (Are the conditions met for its use?)
Notice how in these real-world examples, 能 consistently probes or states objective reality: whether conditions are right, whether a capacity exists, or whether a situation permits an action.
Quick FAQ
能.- Q1: What's the main difference between
能,会, and可以? 能(néng): Focuses on objective possibility or current capacity. Can this happen given the circumstances? Does the subject possess the current physical or functional ability?- Example:
我病好了，现在能跑步了。(Wǒ bìng hǎo le, xiànzài néng pǎobù le.) – "I've recovered from my illness, now I can run." (Physical capacity restored.) 会(huì): Refers to a learned skill, knowledge, or future likelihood/prediction.- Example:
我会做饭。(Wǒ huì zuòfàn.) – "I can cook." (I learned how to cook.) - Example:
他明天会来。(Tā míngtiān huì lái.) – "He will come tomorrow." (Prediction.) 可以(kěyǐ): Denotes permission, subjective appropriateness, or suitability. Is it allowed? Is it a good idea?- Example:
你可以用我的笔。(Nǐ kěyǐ yòng wǒ de bǐ.) – "You may use my pen." (Permission granted.) - Example:
这么晚了，你不能出去玩。(Zhème wǎn le, nǐ bùnéng chūqù wán.) – "It's so late, you shouldn't go out to play." (Implies it's not appropriate or advisable, rather than impossible.)
- Q2: When should I use
能不能instead of能...吗??
能不能 and 能...吗? form questions about possibility. The 能不能 (A-not-A) structure is generally more direct and concise. It often implies a desire for a quick, definitive answer and can carry a slightly more insistent tone, though it's rarely impolite. 能...吗? is softer and more indirect.你能不能帮我一下？(Nǐ néng bùnéng bāng wǒ yīxià?) – "Can you (or can't you) help me for a moment?" (Direct inquiry about capacity to help.)你能帮我一下吗？(Nǐ néng bāng wǒ yīxià ma?) – "Can you help me for a moment?" (Softer inquiry.)
能不能 for efficiency and directness, especially in situations where you need a clear yes/no or a quick assessment of feasibility. For more formal or deferential contexts, 能...吗? or 可以...吗? might be preferred, depending on whether you're asking about objective possibility or permission.- Q3: Can
能be used to ask if someone is good at something?
能 asks if someone can do something in the sense of having the current physical ability or opportunity. To ask if someone is good at something, you would use structures with 好 (hǎo, good) or 怎么样 (zěnmeyàng, how is it?).- Incorrect:
你能打篮球吗？(Nǐ néng dǎ lánqiú ma?) – (Asking if you're physically capable of playing, e.g., not injured.) - Correct (asking about skill):
你会打篮球吗？(Nǐ huì dǎ lánqiú ma?) – "Can you play basketball?" (Do you know how to play?) - Correct (asking about proficiency):
你篮球打得好吗？(Nǐ lánqiú dǎ de hǎo ma?) – "Are you good at playing basketball?"
- Q4: Does
不能always mean "cannot"? Are there other meanings?
不能 consistently means "cannot" in the sense of lacking objective possibility, current capacity, or being prohibited by circumstances. It does not carry the meaning of "unwilling" (use 不肯, bù kěn) or "will not know how to" (不会, bù huì). It is a firm statement of impossibility under the given conditions.这个地方不能抽烟。(Zhège dìfāng bùnéng chōuyān.) – "Smoking is not allowed in this place." (Situational prohibition.)我最近太忙了，不能参加派对。(Wǒ zuìjìn tài máng le, bùnéng cānjiā pàiduì.) – "I'm too busy recently, I can't attend the party." (Circumstantial impossibility due to busyness.)
- Q5: Are there any cultural insights related to
能?
能 for objective possibility in Chinese reflects a pragmatic approach to communication. When a Chinese speaker asks if you 能 do something, they are often genuinely inquiring about your actual capacity or availability, rather than just being polite. It encourages a direct assessment of reality.不能, you are providing a clear, often logistical, reason for why something is not achievable, which is generally well-understood and accepted.能 will significantly enhance your ability to express possibility, limitations, and practicalities in Chinese at an intermediate level and beyond.Formation of {能|néng}
| Type | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Subj + 能 + Verb
|
我能去
|
|
Negative
|
Subj + 不能 + Verb
|
我不能去
|
|
Question
|
Subj + 能 + Verb + 吗
|
你能去吗
|
|
A-not-A
|
Subj + 能不能 + Verb
|
你能不能去
|
|
Past (with 了)
|
Subj + 能 + Verb + 了
|
他能走了
|
|
Emphasis
|
Subj + 能够 + Verb
|
他能够完成
|
Meanings
The modal verb {能|néng} indicates that a subject has the capability, permission, or external conditions to perform an action.
Physical Capability
Having the skill or physical strength to do something.
“他{能|néng}跑得很快。”
“我{能|néng}看懂这本书。”
External Possibility
Circumstances allow for an action to happen.
“今天{能|néng}下雨。”
“这里{能|néng}停车吗？”
Permission
Being allowed to do something.
“你{能|néng}在这里抽烟。”
“我们{能|néng}进去吗？”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Subj + 能 + Verb
|
我能吃
|
|
Negative
|
Subj + 不能 + Verb
|
我不能吃
|
|
Question
|
Subj + 能 + Verb + 吗
|
你能吃吗
|
|
A-not-A
|
Subj + 能不能 + Verb
|
你能不能吃
|
|
Past
|
Subj + 能 + Verb + 了
|
他能跑了
|
|
Formal
|
Subj + 能够 + Verb
|
他能够做到
|
Formality Spectrum
我可以进入吗？ (Entering a room)
我能进去吗？ (Entering a room)
能进吗？ (Entering a room)
能进不？ (Entering a room)
The 'Can' Family
Physical/Situational
- 能 néng
Learned Skill
- 会 huì
Permission
- 可以 kěyǐ
Examples by Level
我{能|néng}喝水。
I can drink water.
他{能|néng}去。
He can go.
我们{能|néng}吃。
We can eat.
你{能|néng}来。
You can come.
你{能|néng}听见{吗|ma}？
Can you hear?
我{不能|bùnéng}去学校。
I cannot go to school.
这儿{能|néng}停车{吗|ma}？
Can one park here?
他{能|néng}说{中文|zhōngwén}。
He can speak Chinese.
{因为|yīnwèi}太忙，我{不能|bùnéng}参加会议。
Because I am too busy, I cannot attend the meeting.
你{能|néng}帮我一个忙{吗|ma}？
Can you do me a favor?
只要努力，就{能|néng}成功。
As long as you work hard, you can succeed.
这件衣服{能|néng}便宜一点{吗|ma}？
Can this shirt be a little cheaper?
如果天气好，我们{能|néng}去爬山。
If the weather is good, we can go hiking.
他{能|néng}在这么短的时间内完成工作，真厉害。
It's impressive that he can finish the work in such a short time.
这件事情{能|néng}不能再商量一下？
Can this matter be discussed again?
无论怎么说，他都{不能|bùnéng}接受。
No matter what is said, he cannot accept it.
怎么{能|néng}因为一点小事就放弃呢？
How can you give up just because of a small thing?
这不仅{能|néng}解决问题，还能提高效率。
This not only can solve the problem, but also can improve efficiency.
我们{能|néng}做的只有等待。
All we can do is wait.
他{能|néng}有今天的成就，离不开家人的支持。
That he can have today's achievements is inseparable from his family's support.
此举{能|néng}否奏效，尚待观察。
Whether this move can be effective remains to be seen.
若非亲眼所见，谁{能|néng}相信这是真的？
If not seen with one's own eyes, who could believe this is true?
他{能|néng}够在逆境中崛起，实属不易。
It is truly not easy that he can rise in adversity.
无论环境如何变迁，真理{能|néng}永存。
No matter how the environment changes, truth can exist forever.
Easily Confused
Both translate to 'can'.
Both translate to 'can'.
Both relate to possibility.
Common Mistakes
我能说中文。
我会说中文。
能我吃吗？
我能吃吗？
我能了去。
我能去。
他能去吗？
他能去吗？
这里能抽烟吗？
这里可以抽烟吗？
我不能去明天。
我明天不能去。
他能会游泳。
他会游泳。
这能是真的吗？
这可能是真的吗？
我能做到了。
我做到了。
你能帮我吗？
你能帮我一下吗？
他能有钱。
他可能有钱。
这能被做。
这可以被做。
我能去过。
我能去。
Sentence Patterns
我___做这件事。
你___帮我一下吗？
___天气不好，我们___去。
这___解决问题，___提高效率。
Real World Usage
你能来吗？
我能处理压力。
这里能用现金吗？
你能送到这儿吗？
这能吃吗？
老师，我能去厕所吗？
Keep it simple
Don't conjugate
Use {能够|nénggòu}
Be polite
Smart Tips
Use {会|huì} because it's a learned skill.
Use {可以|kěyǐ} to be more polite.
Use {能够|nénggòu} in formal writing.
Use {能|néng} as your default.
Pronunciation
Tone
The second tone (néng) rises like a question.
Question
你能去吗？↑
Rising intonation at the end for questions.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of {能|néng} as 'Energy'. If you have the energy (physical or situational), you {能|néng} do it!
Visual Association
Imagine a battery icon labeled '能'. When it's full, you can do anything. When it's empty ({不能|bùnéng}), you can't.
Rhyme
To say you can, use {能|néng}, it's the best plan.
Story
Xiao Wang wanted to climb a mountain. He asked his friend, 'Can I climb it?' ({我能爬吗|wǒ néng pá ma}?). His friend said, 'You have the energy, so you {能|néng} climb!' But then it started raining, so he said, 'Now you {不能|bùnéng} climb.'
Word Web
Challenge
Write 5 sentences about things you can do today using {能|néng} and 5 things you cannot do using {不能|bùnéng}.
Cultural Notes
Used very frequently in daily life for almost all 'can' situations.
Similar usage, but {可以|kěyǐ} is slightly more common for permission.
Speakers often use {可以|kěyǐ} or {得|dé} in place of {能|néng}.
The character {能|néng} originally depicted a bear, symbolizing strength and capability.
Conversation Starters
你今天能做什么？
你觉得这里能停车吗？
你能帮我练习中文吗？
你认为一个人能改变世界吗？
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
我___去学校。
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
我能说中文。
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
Can you help me?
Answer starts with: 你能帮...
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Subject: 他, Verb: 跑, Modal: 能
___ you park here?
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises我___去学校。
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
我能说中文。
去 / 能 / 我 / 吗
Can you help me?
能
Subject: 他, Verb: 跑, Modal: 能
___ you park here?
Score: /8
Practice Bank
11 exercisesIt's too loud here, I ___ hear you. ({这儿太吵了，我___听见你|Zhèr tài chǎo le, wǒ ___ tīngjiàn nǐ}.)
Someone asks: {你明天能来吗|Nǐ míngtiān néng lái ma}? (Can you come tomorrow?)
I studied for 5 years, so I can speak English. ({我学了五年，所以我能说英语|Wǒ xuéle wǔnián, suǒyǐ wǒ néng shuō Yīngyǔ}.)
Translate: Can you drive?
Match the modal to the situation.
{吗 | 你 | 帮 | 能 | 我 | ?} (Can you help me?)
I ___ come to the party because I have to work. ({我___去派对，因为我要工作|Wǒ ___ qù pàiduì, yīnwèi wǒ yào gōngzuò}.)
{这只鸟能飞|Zhè zhī niǎo néng fēi} implies:
Can I borrow your pen? ({我能借你的笔吗|Wǒ néng jiè nǐ de bǐ ma}?)
Translate: I can't see (because it's too dark).
{你___吃多少饺子？|Nǐ ___ chī duōshǎo jiǎozi?} (How many dumplings can you eat? - capacity)
Score: /11
FAQ (8)
No. {会|huì} is for learned skills, {能|néng} is for physical capability.
Yes, but {可以|kěyǐ} is often more polite.
No, it never conjugates.
Always before the main verb.
Add {不|bù} before it: {不能|bùnéng}.
It can imply future possibility, but {会|huì} is better for future events.
{能够|nénggòu} is just a more formal version of {能|néng}.
Add {吗|ma} at the end or use the A-not-A structure.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Poder
Spanish conjugates for person, Chinese does not.
Pouvoir
French has complex verb conjugations.
Können
German changes based on subject.
Dekiru
Japanese potential is a verb suffix, not a modal verb.
Yastati'u
Arabic is a full verb, not a modal auxiliary.
能
N/A
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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