Chinese Ability Verbs: When to use 'hui' or 'neng' (会 vs 能)
会) and situational or physical ability (能) to sound natural in Chinese.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use {会|huì} for learned skills and {能|néng} for physical possibility or permission.
- Use {会|huì} for skills you learned: {我会开车|wǒ huì kāichē} (I know how to drive).
- Use {能|néng} for physical ability: {我能搬动这个箱子|wǒ néng bāndòng zhège xiāngzi} (I can move this box).
- Use {能|néng} for permission: {我能坐这儿吗|wǒ néng zuò zhèr ma} (Can I sit here?).
Overview
Chinese, unlike English, uses distinct modal verbs to express different facets of "can" or "to be able to." This precision allows for clearer communication regarding the nature of an ability, possibility, or permission. The two primary verbs for expressing ability at the A1 level are 会 (huì) and 能 (néng). Understanding their fundamental difference is crucial for accurately conveying your message in Chinese.
At its core, 会 (huì) primarily indicates a learned ability or skill. This refers to something you acquired through study, practice, or training. If you had to be taught it, or if it required a process of learning, 会 is the appropriate choice.
This verb emphasizes the possession of knowledge or proficiency in a particular skill. For instance, speaking a language, playing an instrument, or cooking a dish are all learned abilities.
Conversely, 能 (néng) signifies physical ability, objective possibility, or permission. It addresses whether an action is feasible given the current circumstances, whether one possesses the physical capacity, or whether one is allowed to perform an action. This verb focuses on the practical execution of an action, independent of whether the skill was learned.
For example, being able to lift a heavy object, being available to attend an event, or being permitted to park somewhere fall under the domain of 能.
This distinction reflects a nuanced approach to expressing capability in Chinese, where the origin and nature of the ability are explicitly stated. While English often uses a single verb like "can" for both, Chinese differentiates between the internal possession of a skill (会) and the external conditions or internal physical state that enable or permit an action (能).
How This Grammar Works
会 (huì) and 能 (néng) function as modal verbs (also known as auxiliary verbs or helping verbs) in Chinese. They always precede the main verb in a sentence. Chinese verbs do not conjugate for tense, person, or number, meaning their form remains consistent regardless of the subject or time.会 or 能, you place the appropriate modal verb directly before the action verb. The structure is generally [Subject] + [Modal Verb] + [Main Verb] + [Object/Complement]. For example, to state a learned ability, you might say 我会说汉语 (Wǒ huì shuō Hànyǔ – I can speak Chinese).会 precedes the main verb 说 (shuō – to speak).能. For instance, 我能吃辣 (Wǒ néng chī là – I can eat spicy food) uses 能 before the main verb 吃 (chī – to eat). The simplicity of this placement makes these modal verbs highly versatile and relatively easy to integrate into basic sentence structures at the A1 level.会 and 能 is straightforward: you place the negative adverb 不 (bù) directly before the modal verb. So, 不会 (bù huì) means "cannot/don't know how (a skill)," and 不能 (bù néng) means "cannot (due to physical inability, circumstances, or permission)." For example, 他不会游泳 (Tā bù huì yóuyǒng – He doesn't know how to swim) or 我不能去 (Wǒ bù néng qù – I cannot go [due to circumstances]). This consistent negation pattern applies to nearly all modal verbs in Chinese, providing a reliable rule for learners.吗 (ma) particle at the end of a declarative sentence to turn it into a yes/no question, such as 你会说汉语吗？ (Nǐ huì shuō Hànyǔ ma? – Can you speak Chinese?).[Subject] + [Modal Verb] + [不] + [Modal Verb] + [Main Verb] + [Object]? For instance, 你能不能帮我？ (Nǐ néng bù néng bāng wǒ? – Can you help me?). This pattern is particularly common in spoken Chinese and adds a slightly more direct tone to the question.Formation Pattern
会 (huì) and 能 (néng) follow consistent sentence structures, which are essential for correct usage. The patterns are largely identical, with the choice between 会 and 能 depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey (learned skill vs. physical ability/circumstance/permission).
会 / 能) | Main Verb | Object/Complement (Optional) |
我 (Wǒ) | 会 (huì) | 开车 (kāichē) | . (I can drive [a car - learned skill]) |
她 (Tā) | 能 (néng) | 举起 (jǔqǐ) | 这个箱子 (zhè ge xiāngzi) . (She can lift this box [physical ability]) |
我们 (Wǒmen) | 能 (néng) | 今天 (jīntiān) | 见面 (jiànmiàn) . (We can meet today [circumstantial possibility]) |
不 (bù) directly before the modal verb. This pattern applies universally to negating modal verbs.
不 (bù) | Modal Verb (会 / 能) | Main Verb | Object/Complement (Optional) |
他 (Tā) | 不 (bù) | 会 (huì) | 游泳 (yóuyǒng) | . (He cannot swim [lacks skill]) |
你 (Nǐ) | 不 (bù) | 能 (néng) | 在这里 (zài zhèlǐ) | 吸烟 (xīyān) . (You cannot smoke here [not permitted]) |
我 (Wǒ) | 不 (bù) | 能 (néng) | 吃 (chī) | 辣 (là) . (I cannot eat spicy food [physical limitation]) |
吗):
吗 (ma) to the end of a positive statement. The sentence structure remains the same as a positive statement, with 吗 at the very end.
会 / 能) | Main Verb | Object/Complement (Optional) | 吗 (ma) |
你 (Nǐ) | 会 (huì) | 说 (shuō) | 法语 (fǎyǔ) | ？ (Can you speak French? [learned skill]) |
他 (Tā) | 能 (néng) | 来 (lái) | 吗 (ma) | ？ (Can he come? [circumstantial possibility]) |
不 (bù) | Modal Verb | Main Verb | Object/Complement (Optional) |
你 (Nǐ) | 会 (huì) | 不 (bù) | 会 (huì) | 做饭 (zuòfàn) | ？ (Can you cook? [do you have the skill or not?]) |
我们 (Wǒmen) | 能 (néng) | 不 (bù) | 能 (néng) | 进去 (jìnqù) | ？ (Can we go in? [is it possible/permitted or not?]) |
When To Use It
会 (huì) and 能 (néng) requires a clear understanding of the specific contexts each verb addresses. While both can be translated as "can" or "to be able to" in English, their underlying meanings are distinct and not interchangeable.会 (huì):会 is predominantly used to express learned abilities, skills, or knowledge. If an ability is acquired through instruction, study, practice, or experience, 会 is the appropriate choice. This encompasses a wide range of human activities.- Acquired Skills/Proficiencies: This is the most common use. It indicates that you have successfully learned how to do something.
- Example:
我妹妹会弹钢琴。(Wǒ mèimei huì tán gāngqín. – My younger sister can play the piano.) – This implies she took lessons and practiced. - Example:
他会说三种语言。(Tā huì shuō sān zhǒng yǔyán. – He can speak three languages.) – This indicates language acquisition through study.
- Tendency or Likelihood (A2/B1 usage, often with prediction): While primarily A1 for learned skills,
会also extends to expressing a future prediction or a tendency for something to happen. At A1, focus on the skill aspect, but be aware of its secondary function, often distinguishable by context or time words. - Example:
明天会下雨。(Míngtiān huì xiàyǔ. – It will rain tomorrow.) – This is a prediction, not a skill.
能 (néng):能 is used for physical ability, objective possibility, or permission. It focuses on the current state of affairs that allows or disallows an action, rather than a learned skill.- Physical Capability: This refers to whether someone has the bodily strength, health, or sensory ability to perform an action.
- Example:
我生病了，不能去上课。(Wǒ shēngbìng le, bù néng qù shàngkè. – I'm sick, so I can't go to class.) – Physical inability due to illness. - Example:
他很强壮，能搬动这张桌子。(Tā hěn qiángzhuàng, néng bāndòng zhè zhāng zhuōzi. – He is very strong; he can move this table.) – Physical strength.
- Objective Possibility/Circumstance: This refers to external factors or conditions that make an action possible or impossible. If the environment, time, or other external elements permit or prevent an action,
能is used. - Example:
我今天有空，能帮你。(Wǒ jīntiān yǒu kòng, néng bāng nǐ. – I have free time today, so I can help you.) – Circumstantial possibility. - Example:
外面太吵了，我不能学习。(Wàimiàn tài chǎo le, wǒ bù néng xuéxí. – It's too noisy outside, I can't study.) – External circumstances prevent studying.
- Permission:
能can also be used to ask for or grant permission, or to state that something is allowed or forbidden. In many permission contexts,可以(kěyǐ) is also common and often preferred for politeness, but能is certainly valid. - Example:
我能坐这里吗？(Wǒ néng zuò zhèlǐ ma? – Can I sit here? / Am I allowed to sit here?) – Asking for permission. - Example:
这里不能停车。(Zhèlǐ bù néng tíngchē. – You cannot park here.) – Stating lack of permission/prohibition.
会 or 能. If the action inherently requires a learning process (like 说 (shuō) a language, 做 (zuò) a dish, 写 (xiě) characters), 会 is almost always correct. If the action is a natural human function (like 看 (kàn) – to see, 听 (tīng) – to hear, 走 (zǒu) – to walk) or is dependent on current conditions, 能 is generally the correct choice.宝宝会走路了 (Bǎo bao huì zǒulù le – The baby can walk now); but for an adult whose legs are tired, it's 我不能走路了 (Wǒ bù néng zǒulù le – I can't walk anymore).Common Mistakes
会 (huì) and 能 (néng) is a frequent challenge for learners because English uses a single verb ("can") for both. Understanding the common pitfalls can significantly improve accuracy and avoid miscommunication.- Confusing Learned Skill with Physical/Circumstantial Ability: The most common error is using
会when能is required, or vice-versa. For instance, if you want to say "I can't go to the party tonight" because you are busy, using我不会去派对(Wǒ bù huì qù pàiduì) implies "I don't know how to go to the party" or "I'm not going to the party (as a future prediction/decision)" which is incorrect. The correct phrase for circumstantial inability is我不能去派对(Wǒ bù néng qù pàiduì – I can't go to the party [because I'm busy/unavailable]).
- Overusing
会for Natural Actions: Actions that do not require explicit learning, such as seeing, hearing, or feeling, should use能. You wouldn't say我会看(Wǒ huì kàn) to mean "I can see" (unless you're an infant developing sight, or perhaps referring to a complex skill of interpretation). Instead,我能看(Wǒ néng kàn) is used when discussing the physical ability to see. Similarly, if you say我不会听(Wǒ bù huì tīng), it usually means "I don't know how to listen" (which is linguistically awkward), rather than "I cannot hear." The correct phrase for physical inability to hear would be我不能听(Wǒ bù néng tīng) or我听不见(Wǒ tīng bú jiàn).
- Misinterpreting
不+会as "Won't" (Future Intention): While会can predict the future (e.g.,明天会下雨- Míngtiān huì xiàyǔ - It will rain tomorrow),不会primarily means "do not know how" or "is unlikely to happen." If you use我不会去(Wǒ bù huì qù) to mean "I won't go" (as a firm decision), it is often understood more as "I don't know how to go" or "I am not skilled at going." For expressing future intention or refusal, other structures like我不想去(Wǒ bù xiǎng qù - I don't want to go) or simply stating the refusal directly are more common.
- Using
很(hěn) with能to indicate great skill: While很会(hěn huì) means "very good at" a skill (e.g.,他很会唱歌- Tā hěn huì chànggē - He is very good at singing),很能(hěn néng) does not carry the same meaning.很能is typically used to describe a great physical capacity, such as很能吃(hěn néng chī - can eat a lot) or很能喝(hěn néng hē - can drink a lot). It describes a physical capacity to endure or perform a lot of an action, not a high degree of skill. Confusing these can lead to humorous or awkward misunderstandings.
- Overlapping with
可以(kěyǐ): Both能and可以can express permission. However,可以often carries a slightly softer, more polite nuance, implying "may I" or "is it alright."能for permission can sometimes feel more direct or matter-of-fact. For instance, when asking to borrow something,我可以用你的笔吗？(Wǒ kěyǐ yòng nǐ de bǐ ma? – May I use your pen?) is generally more polite than我能用你的笔吗？(Wǒ néng yòng nǐ de bǐ ma?). For strict prohibitions, both不能and不可以are strong, but不可以can emphasize the rule. The key is that可以never expresses a learned skill, only会does.
Real Conversations
Observing 会 (huì) and 能 (néng) in authentic contexts reveals how native speakers employ these modal verbs to convey nuanced meanings in everyday interactions, from casual chats to more formal exchanges.
Scenario 1
- A: 你会不会打篮球？ (Nǐ huì bú huì dǎ lánqiú? – Can you play basketball?) - Asking about a learned skill.
- B: 我会打，但是打得不好。 (Wǒ huì dǎ, dànshì dǎ de bù hǎo. – I can play, but I don't play well.) - Confirming possession of the skill, but with a qualifier.
- A: 听说你很会做中国菜？ (Tīngshuō nǐ hěn huì zuò Zhōngguó cài? – I heard you're very good at cooking Chinese food?) - Using 很会 to commend a high level of skill.
- B: 还可以，我只会做几道家常菜。 (Hái kěyǐ, wǒ zhǐ huì zuò jǐ dào jiāchángcài. – It's okay, I only know how to cook a few home-style dishes.) - Modestly acknowledging the skill.
Scenario 2
- A: 你现在能说话吗？ (Nǐ xiànzài néng shuōhuà ma? – Can you talk now? / Are you able to talk now?) - Asking about current availability or whether circumstances permit speaking (e.g., if in a meeting).
- B: 现在不能，我在开会。 (Xiànzài bù néng, wǒ zài kāihuì. – Not now, I'm in a meeting.) - Stating circumstantial inability.
- A: 这么晚了，你还能回家吗？ (Zhème wǎn le, nǐ hái néng huíjiā ma? – It's so late, can you still go home? / Is it still possible for you to go home?) - Asking about the possibility of an action given the late hour.
- B: 没事，我能叫到出租车。 (Méi shì, wǒ néng jiàodào chūzūchē. – No problem, I can get a taxi.) - Confirming circumstantial possibility.
Scenario 3
- A: 请问，我能在这里拍照吗？ (Qǐngwèn, wǒ néng zài zhèlǐ pāizhào ma? – Excuse me, can I take photos here?) - A direct way to ask for permission.
- B: 不能，这里禁止拍照。 (Bù néng, zhèlǐ jìnzhǐ pāizhào. – No, taking photos is forbidden here.) - Directly stating lack of permission.
- A: 我能晚一点交作业吗？ (Wǒ néng wǎn yīdiǎn jiāo zuòyè ma? – Can I hand in my homework a bit later?) - Asking for flexibility, implying permission.
- B: 可以，但是不能超过明天。 (Kěyǐ, dànshì bù néng chāoguò míngtiān. – Yes, but it can't be later than tomorrow.) - Granting permission with a condition.
These examples illustrate that the choice between 会 and 能 is deeply embedded in the speaker's intention and the context of the conversation. Pay attention to the verb following 会 or 能 and the surrounding situation to determine the correct usage.
Quick FAQ
会 (huì) and 能 (néng), reinforcing key concepts and clarifying potential ambiguities.- Q: Can
会be used for innate abilities, like a baby being able to cry? - A: Generally, no.
会is for learned abilities. Crying is an innate function, not a learned skill. For such natural functions,能(e.g.,宝宝能哭- Bǎo bao néng kū - The baby can cry) would describe the physical capacity, though often, Chinese speakers would use descriptive verbs directly without a modal verb for very basic actions (e.g.,宝宝在哭- Bǎo bao zài kū - The baby is crying).
- Q: What about
会meaning "will" for future events? How does that relate to ability? - A:
会has a dual function. At A1, focus on its primary meaning of "learned ability." Its use to mean "will" or "is likely to" for future predictions is a secondary meaning. The context, especially the presence of time words (like明天- míngtiān - tomorrow,明年- míngnián - next year), usually makes the meaning clear. For example,他明天会来(Tā míngtiān huì lái - He will come tomorrow) is clearly a prediction, not an ability.
- Q: Is there any situation where
会and能are interchangeable? - A: In very few, highly specific cases, there might be slight overlap where either
会or能could be used, but even then, there's usually a subtle difference in emphasis. For instance, if you're discussing the feasibility of performing a skill you've learned, you might use能to highlight the current possibility rather than just the learned skill. However, for a simple statement of possessing a skill,会is always the direct and correct choice. It's best to adhere to the core distinction:会for how to do (skill) and能for can do (physical ability/circumstance/permission).
- Q: When asking for permission, is
能or可以(kěyǐ) better? - A: Both are correct.
可以often carries a slightly more polite tone, akin to "May I...?" or "Is it permissible...?"能is also perfectly acceptable and can be slightly more direct, meaning "Is it possible for me to...?" or "Am I allowed to...?" In most social situations, especially when addressing strangers or elders,可以is often preferred for its politeness. For example,请问，我可以用一下您的洗手间吗？(Qǐngwèn, wǒ kěyǐ yīxià nín de xǐshǒujiān ma? - Excuse me, may I use your restroom for a moment?) is more polite than using能.
- Q: Can I use
能to talk about my job skills? - A: Generally, no. Job skills are learned abilities, so
会is the appropriate verb. For example,我能使用Excel(Wǒ néng shǐyòng Excel) would imply you are physically capable of pressing the buttons on a keyboard to operate Excel, which is a trivial statement. The correct phrasing is我会使用Excel(Wǒ huì shǐyòng Excel - I know how to use Excel), indicating a learned proficiency. You might use能if you mean "I am capable of completing this task now" given resources, etc., but the skill itself is会.
- Q: If I'm too tired to perform a skill I know, should I use
不会or不能? - A: In this specific scenario, you should use
不能because your inability stems from a current physical condition (tiredness), not a lack of the learned skill. For example,我太累了，今天不能做饭(Wǒ tài lèi le, jīntiān bù néng zuòfàn – I'm too tired; I can't cook today). You still know how to cook (你会做饭- Nǐ huì zuòfàn), but your current state prevents you from doing it (不能做饭). This highlights the critical distinction between possessing a skill and having the present capacity or circumstance to execute it.
Modal Verb Structure
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Subj + 会/能 + Verb
|
{我会游泳|wǒ huì yóuyǒng}
|
|
Negative
|
Subj + 不会/不能 + Verb
|
{我不能去|wǒ bùnéng qù}
|
|
Question
|
Subj + 会/能 + Verb + 吗
|
{你会说吗|nǐ huì shuō ma}
|
|
A-not-A
|
Subj + 会不会/能不能 + Verb
|
{你能不能来|nǐ néng bùnéng lái}
|
|
Past/Future
|
Time + Subj + 会/能 + Verb
|
{明天我会去|míngtiān wǒ huì qù}
|
|
Modal + Object
|
Subj + 会/能 + Verb + Obj
|
{我会写汉字|wǒ huì xiě hànzì}
|
Meanings
These are modal verbs used to express ability. {会|huì} focuses on acquired skills, while {能|néng} focuses on physical capacity or external circumstances.
Learned Skill
Ability acquired through study or practice.
“{我会游泳|wǒ huì yóuyǒng}”
“{你会做饭吗|nǐ huì zuòfàn ma}”
Physical Capacity
Having the physical strength or environmental conditions to do something.
“{我能喝十杯水|wǒ néng hē shí bēi shuǐ}”
“{这里能停车吗|zhèlǐ néng tíngchē ma}”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative Skill
|
Subj + 会 + Verb
|
{我会做饭|wǒ huì zuòfàn}
|
|
Affirmative Possibility
|
Subj + 能 + Verb
|
{我能跑很快|wǒ néng pǎo hěn kuài}
|
|
Negative Skill
|
Subj + 不会 + Verb
|
{我不会开车|wǒ bù huì kāichē}
|
|
Negative Possibility
|
Subj + 不能 + Verb
|
{我不能喝牛奶|wǒ bùnéng hē niúnǎi}
|
|
Question Skill
|
Subj + 会 + Verb + 吗
|
{你会打球吗|nǐ huì dǎqiú ma}
|
|
Question Possibility
|
Subj + 能 + Verb + 吗
|
{你能帮我吗|nǐ néng bāng wǒ ma}
|
|
A-not-A Skill
|
Subj + 会不会 + Verb
|
{你会不会写|nǐ huì bù huì xiě}
|
|
A-not-A Possibility
|
Subj + 能不能 + Verb
|
{能不能走|néng bùnéng zǒu}
|
Formality Spectrum
{能请您帮我一下吗|néng qǐng nín bāng wǒ yīxià ma} (Asking for help)
{你能帮我吗|nǐ néng bāng wǒ ma} (Asking for help)
{帮我一下|bāng wǒ yīxià} (Asking for help)
{帮个忙|bāng gè máng} (Asking for help)
Ability vs. Possibility
会 (Skill)
- 学习 Study
- 练习 Practice
能 (Possibility)
- 环境 Environment
- 许可 Permission
Examples by Level
{我会说中文|wǒ huì shuō zhōngwén}
I can speak Chinese.
{你今天能来吗|nǐ jīntiān néng lái ma}
Can you come today?
{他不会游泳|tā bù huì yóuyǒng}
He cannot swim.
{我不能喝咖啡|wǒ bùnéng hē kāfēi}
I cannot drink coffee.
{你会开车吗|nǐ huì kāichē ma}
Do you know how to drive?
{这里能抽烟吗|zhèlǐ néng chōuyān ma}
Can one smoke here?
{我能帮你吗|wǒ néng bāng nǐ ma}
Can I help you?
{她会弹钢琴|tā huì tán gāngqín}
She can play the piano.
{他能搬动这块石头|tā néng bāndòng zhè kuài shítou}
He is able to move this stone.
{明天会下雨吗|míngtiān huì xià yǔ ma}
Will it rain tomorrow?
{我不能接受这个结果|wǒ bùnéng jiēshòu zhège jiéguǒ}
I cannot accept this result.
{你会用筷子吗|nǐ huì yòng kuàizi ma}
Do you know how to use chopsticks?
{能请你重复一遍吗|néng qǐng nǐ chóngfù yībiàn ma}
Could you please repeat that?
{他会成为一名好医生|tā huì chéngwéi yī míng hǎo yīshēng}
He will become a good doctor.
{我们不能忽视这个问题|wǒmen bùnéng hūshì zhège wèntí}
We cannot ignore this problem.
{你会发现这很有趣|nǐ huì fāxiàn zhè hěn yǒuqù}
You will find this interesting.
{他能言善辩|tā néng yán shàn biàn}
He is eloquent.
{这事儿会很麻烦|zhè shìr huì hěn máfan}
This matter will be troublesome.
{我不能不告诉你|wǒ bùnéng bù gàosù nǐ}
I must tell you.
{你会习惯的|nǐ huì xíguàn de}
You will get used to it.
{能者多劳|néng zhě duō láo}
The capable do more work.
{这会是一场灾难|zhè huì shì yī chǎng zāinàn}
This will be a disaster.
{他能做到这一点|tā néng zuò dào zhè yīdiǎn}
He is capable of achieving this.
{不会吧|bù huì ba}
No way! / Really?
Easily Confused
Both can mean 'can', but '会' is skill and '可以' is permission.
Both mean 'can' for permission.
The same character is used for future probability.
Common Mistakes
我会去商店
我能去商店
我能说中文
我会说中文
你会帮我吗
你能帮我吗
我不能游泳
我不会游泳
你会来吗
你能来吗
我能做饭
我会做饭
这儿不会停车
这儿不能停车
他会搬动箱子
他能搬动箱子
你能弹钢琴吗
你会弹钢琴吗
我不可以去
我不能去
他能说五种语言
他会说五种语言
这会发生
这可能会发生
我不可以做
我不能做
Sentence Patterns
我___说中文。
你___帮我吗？
他___开车，但他今天___去。
___你___弹吉他？
Real World Usage
{你能来吗|nǐ néng lái ma}
{我会使用Excel|wǒ huì shǐyòng Excel}
{能加点辣吗|néng jiā diǎn là ma}
{这里能换钱吗|zhèlǐ néng huàn qián ma}
{谁会做这个|shéi huì zuò zhège}
{老师，我能问个问题吗|lǎoshī, wǒ néng wèn gè wèntí ma}
The Skill Test
Avoid '能' for skills
Permission
Modesty
Smart Tips
Ask: Is it because I don't have the skill or because I'm busy?
Use 能 to sound polite.
Use 会 for predictions.
If in doubt, use 可以 for permission.
Pronunciation
Tone of '不'
When '不' is followed by a 4th tone, it becomes a 2nd tone.
Question intonation
Sentence + 吗 ↑
Rising pitch at the end indicates a question.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of '会' as 'Head' (you need your head to learn skills) and '能' as 'Need' (you need permission or physical strength).
Visual Association
Imagine a student with a book for '会' and a weightlifter for '能'.
Rhyme
Skill is 会, learned in school; Physical is 能, follow the rule.
Story
Xiao Wang wants to play guitar. He takes lessons, so he '会' (huì) play. But today, his hands hurt, so he '不能' (bùnéng) play.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 things you can do (skills) and 3 things you can do today (situational).
Cultural Notes
People often use '会' to show modesty about skills.
Similar usage, but '可以' is used more frequently for permission.
Using '能' for requests is considered polite.
会 originally meant 'to meet' or 'to gather'. 能 originally meant 'a bear' (strength).
Conversation Starters
你会做什么运动？
你今天能去图书馆吗？
你会说几种语言？
你能帮我解决这个问题吗？
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
我___游泳。
你___帮我拿一下书吗？
Find and fix the mistake:
我能说中文。
我会开车。
能 is used for learned skills.
A: 你___弹吉他吗？ B: 会。
我 / 能 / 今天 / 去 / 不
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises我___游泳。
你___帮我拿一下书吗？
Find and fix the mistake:
我能说中文。
我会开车。
能 is used for learned skills.
A: 你___弹吉他吗？ B: 会。
我 / 能 / 今天 / 去 / 不
1. 会, 2. 能
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercises{你会___电脑吗|nǐ huì ___ diànnǎo ma} (Do you know how to use a computer?)
{汉语 | 会 | 我 | 说 | 一点儿}
She is very good at cooking.
Can you speak English?
{我没时间，我不会去|wǒ méi shíjiān, wǒ bù huì qù}
Match:
Can you go today?
{这里___停车吗|zhèlǐ ___ tíngchē ma} (Can I park here?)
{我 | 能 | 不 | 去}
He can eat a lot.
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
No, use 能 or 可以.
Mostly, but it also covers situational possibility.
Use 我不会.
Yes, but that's a different usage (probability).
能 is often used for polite requests.
Use 我不能.
Very rarely, only in specific contexts.
会 is neutral, 能 can be more assertive.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Saber vs. Poder
The mapping is almost 1:1.
Können
German uses one word; Chinese uses two.
Savoir vs. Pouvoir
Very similar to Chinese.
Dekiru
Japanese is more context-dependent.
Istata'a
Arabic structure is different.
会 vs. 能
It is the standard.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Learn These First
Got Skills? Using 会 (huì) for Learned Abilities
Overview When learning Chinese, you'll quickly encounter various ways to express the English word "can." Unlike English,...
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...
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...
