Asking Permission with 可以 (kěyǐ)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use {可以|kěyǐ} before a verb to ask for or grant permission, just like 'can' in English.
- Place {可以|kěyǐ} before the main verb: {我|wǒ} {可以|kěyǐ} {坐|zuò} {这儿|zhèr} {吗|ma}?
- To deny permission, 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: {可以|kěyǐ} {进来|jìnlái} {吗|ma}?
Overview
Imagine navigating the bustling streets of Beijing or ordering at a local diner in Shanghai. You’ll frequently encounter situations where you need to ask for permission or understand what is socially acceptable. This is where the Chinese modal verb 可以 (kěyǐ) becomes indispensable.
Unlike English, which often uses a single word like "can" for a wide range of meanings (ability, permission, possibility), Chinese employs distinct words to convey these nuances. 可以 (kěyǐ) is primarily your go-to for expressing permission ("May I?", "Am I allowed to?") and social or circumstantial possibility ("Is it feasible?", "Is it allowed?"). It doesn't relate to an individual's inherent skills or physical strength, but rather to external rules, circumstances, or social agreement.
Historically, the character 可 (kě) means "to be worth, suitable, agreeable, capable of, may, can," and 以 (yǐ) means "by, with, according to." Together, 可以 (kěyǐ) evolved to signify that something is permissible, agreeable, or possible given the prevailing conditions. It acts as a "green light" word, indicating that there are no obstacles from an external standpoint. Mastering 可以 (kěyǐ) is crucial for polite and effective communication in Chinese, preventing misunderstandings and ensuring your requests are phrased appropriately.
For instance, if you want to know if you can smoke in a particular area, you wouldn't ask about physical ability. Instead, you'd inquire about permission: 这里可以抽烟吗？ (Zhèlǐ kěyǐ chōuyān ma?) – "Can one smoke here?" This highlights 可以 (kěyǐ)'s role in navigating social norms and rules.
Understanding this distinction early on will significantly improve your accuracy and naturalness when speaking Chinese.
How This Grammar Works
可以 (kěyǐ) functions as a modal verb (情态动词, qíngtài dòngcí), which means it modifies another verb in a sentence, adding specific nuances related to permission or possibility. In Chinese grammar, modal verbs always precede the main verb. A key characteristic of Chinese modal verbs is their invariance: they do not change form based on the subject's person, number, or gender.我 (wǒ) (I), 你 (nǐ) (you), 他 (tā) (he), or 他们 (tāmen) (they), 可以 (kěyǐ) remains the same. This simplifies learning compared to languages with complex conjugations.可以 (kěyǐ), you are essentially indicating that an action is allowed, authorized, or feasible under current circumstances. It speaks to the permissibility of an action rather than the innate capability of the performer. Think of it as a gatekeeper: if 可以 (kěyǐ) is present, the gate is open.不可以 (bù kěyǐ) is used, the gate is closed.可以 (kěyǐ) clarifies whether that action is permitted. For example, in 我今天可以早点走吗？ (Wǒ jīntiān kěyǐ zǎodiǎn zǒu ma?) – "Can I leave a bit earlier today?", the main verb is 走 (zǒu) (to leave), and 可以 (kěyǐ) introduces the request for permission to perform that action.这个公园可以带宠物进去。 (Zhège gōngyuán kěyǐ dài chǒngwù jìnqù.) – "You can bring pets into this park." Here, 可以 (kěyǐ) states the park's policy, making the action 带宠物进去 (dài chǒngwù jìnqù) (to bring pets in) permissible. The grammar is straightforward: modal verb before the main action, conveying external permission or circumstantial feasibility.Formation Pattern
可以 (kěyǐ) in sentences follows a clear and consistent pattern, making it relatively simple to construct phrases for permission and possibility. Understanding these basic structures is fundamental for A1 learners.
Nǐ kěyǐ zuò zhèlǐ. | You can sit here. |
Wǒmen xiànzài kěyǐ zǒu le. | We can leave now. |
Zhèlǐ kěyǐ miǎnfèi tíngchē. | You can park for free here. |
你 (nǐ) is the subject, 可以 (kěyǐ) is the modal verb, and 坐 (zuò) is the main verb. The object is 这里 (zhèlǐ). This grants permission to sit.
现在 (xiànzài) (now) and 免费 (miǎnfèi) (free) are adverbs/adjectival phrases modifying the verb or sentence, placed after the subject or directly before the verb phrase.
可以 (kěyǐ), you simply place 不 (bù) (not) before it. It becomes 不可以 (bù kěyǐ).
Xiǎoháizi bù kěyǐ kàn zhège diànyǐng. | Children cannot watch this movie. |
Wǒmen bù kěyǐ dài shíwù jìnqù. | We cannot bring food inside. |
Zài túshūguǎn bù kěyǐ dàshēng shuōhuà. | You cannot speak loudly in the library. |
不 (bù) directly negates the permission expressed by 可以 (kěyǐ). This is a common pattern for negating modal verbs in Chinese. You do not negate the main verb itself.
吗 (ma) (Asking for Permission)
Wǒ kěyǐ jìnlái ma? | May I come in? |
Nǐ kěyǐ bāng wǒ yīxià ma? | Can you help me for a moment? |
Wǒmen kěyǐ diǎn zhège cài ma? | Can we order this dish? |
吗 (ma) at the end signals a question, requiring a "yes" or "no" answer.
Wǒ kě bu kěyǐ zuò zhèlǐ? | Can I sit here (or not)? |
Nǐmen jīntiān kě bu kěyǐ lái wǒ jiā? | Can you come to my house today (or not)? |
Zhège gōngyuán kě bu kěyǐ yěcān? | Can one picnic in this park (or not)? |
可不可以 (kě bu kěyǐ) construction implies a choice between permission and non-permission, making the question very direct and common.
When To Use It
可以 (kěyǐ) primarily serves two distinct but related functions: asking for or granting permission, and indicating social or circumstantial possibility. Understanding these contexts is key to its correct usage.可以 (kěyǐ). You use it when you want to know if an action is sanctioned by rules, authority, or another person, or when you are giving someone the approval to do something. It directly translates to "May I?" or "Am I allowed to?".- Asking for Permission: When you seek approval for an action.
老师，我可以去洗手间吗？ (Lǎoshī, wǒ kěyǐ qù xǐshǒujiān ma?)– "Teacher, may I go to the restroom?" (Asking for teacher's permission.)我可以用一下你的笔吗？ (Wǒ kěyǐ yòng yīxià nǐ de bǐ ma?)– "May I use your pen for a moment?" (Asking a friend for permission to use their item.)- In these scenarios, the focus is entirely on whether an external authority or social norm permits the action. It's a polite request that acknowledges potential restrictions.
- Granting Permission: When you give approval for an action.
你可以晚一点交作业。 (Nǐ kěyǐ wǎn yīdiǎn jiāo zuòyè.)– "You can hand in your homework a little later." (A teacher granting an extension.)当然可以，请进。 (Dāngrán kěyǐ, qǐng jìn.)– "Of course, you may. Please come in." (Responding to someone asking to enter.)- Here,
可以 (kěyǐ)functions as a clear statement that the action is sanctioned. The simple response可以 (kěyǐ)can also be used as a standalone affirmative, meaning "Okay!" or "Allowed!"
可以 (kěyǐ) is used to describe situations where an action is feasible or allowed due to external circumstances, rules, or available options. It's not about someone's inherent ability, but rather about the environment or situation making something possible.- Due to Rules/Policies:
这家店可以刷卡支付。 (Zhè jiā diàn kěyǐ shuākǎ zhīfù.)– "This store allows card payments." (It's a store policy/option.)请注意，这里不可以拍照。 (Qǐng zhùyì, zhèlǐ bù kěyǐ pāizhào.)– "Please note, taking photos is not allowed here." (A rule/restriction.)- These examples describe what is generally allowed or not allowed in a given establishment or public space.
- Due to Circumstances/Options:
这道菜可以做成素的。 (Zhè dào cài kěyǐ zuò chéng sù de.)– "This dish can be made vegetarian." (It's a possible modification/option on the menu.)如果你累了，可以休息一下。 (Rúguǒ nǐ lèi le, kěyǐ xiūxi yīxià.)– "If you are tired, you can rest for a bit." (Resting is a feasible option given the state of being tired.)- In these cases,
可以 (kěyǐ)highlights that the action is a viable choice or outcome, not necessarily dependent on someone's explicit permission, but on the practicalities of the situation.
能 (néng) for Possibility: While 可以 (kěyǐ) focuses on external allowance, 能 (néng) can also express possibility, often implying that something can happen because there are no internal or external obstacles. For A1 learners, stick to 可以 (kěyǐ) for clearly social permissions and circumstantial possibilities. 能 (néng) for possibility sometimes blurs the line with ability, which can be confusing.Common Mistakes
可以 (kěyǐ) often leads to common pitfalls because its meaning of "can" or "may" overlaps with English usage, but diverges significantly when it comes to specific types of "ability" or "possibility." Chinese differentiates these more finely. Avoiding these mistakes is crucial for speaking more naturally and accurately.会 (huì) (Learned Skills/Knowledge)会 (huì) is used for abilities that are learned or acquired through study or practice, such as speaking a language, swimming, or playing an instrument. 可以 (kěyǐ) is never used for this purpose.- Incorrect:
我可以说汉语。 (Wǒ kěyǐ shuō Hànyǔ.)– (Literally: "I am permitted to speak Chinese." – implies someone gave you permission, not that you know how.) - Correct:
我会说汉语。 (Wǒ huì shuō Hànyǔ.)– "I can speak Chinese." (I learned it, it's a skill.)
- Incorrect:
他可以游泳。 (Tā kěyǐ yóuyǒng.)– (Literally: "He is allowed to swim." – contextually might be correct if someone just gave him permission, but not for the general ability to swim.) - Correct:
他会游泳。 (Tā huì yóuyǒng.)– "He can swim." (He learned how to swim.)
能 (néng) (Physical Ability or Conditions Allowing)能 (néng) is used for physical capability, mental capacity, or when circumstances objectively allow something. While 能 (néng) can sometimes overlap with 可以 (kěyǐ) for general possibility, it's distinct for inherent abilities.- Physical Ability:
- Incorrect:
我今天感冒了，不可以去上班。 (Wǒ jīntiān gǎnmào le, bù kěyǐ qù shàngbān.)– (Literally: "I have a cold today, I am not allowed to go to work." – implies someone forbade you.) - Correct:
我今天感冒了，不能去上班。 (Wǒ jīntiān gǎnmào le, bù néng qù shàngbān.)– "I have a cold today, I cannot go to work." (My physical condition prevents me.) - The nuance here is critical:
不可以 (bù kěyǐ)suggests an external prohibition,不能 (bù néng)suggests an internal or circumstantial inability.
- Objective Conditions:
- If a road is blocked, you
不能 (bù néng)pass (it's physically impossible or objectively not feasible). If you are forbidden from using a road, you不可以 (bù kěyǐ)pass (it's a rule). 这盒牛奶我不能喝了，已经过期了。 (Zhè hé niúnǎi wǒ bù néng hē le, yǐjīng guòqī le.)– "I can't drink this milk anymore, it's expired." (The milk's condition prevents drinking.) This is不能 (bù néng), not不可以 (bù kěyǐ).
没 (méi)可以 (kěyǐ) is a modal verb, and modal verbs are negated with 不 (bù), not 没 (méi). 没 (méi) is typically used to negate verbs expressing existence (有 - yǒu) or past actions.- Incorrect:
我没可以去。 (Wǒ méi kěyǐ qù.) - Correct:
我不可以去。 (Wǒ bù kěyǐ qù.)– "I cannot go (I am not allowed)."
可 (kě) Alone for Permission可 (kě) is part of 可以 (kěyǐ), using 可 (kě) by itself to mean "can" or "may" in modern spoken Chinese is generally incorrect or sounds very unnatural. Stick to the full 可以 (kěyǐ).- Incorrect:
我可坐这里吗？ (Wǒ kě zuò zhèlǐ ma?) - Correct:
我可以坐这里吗？ (Wǒ kěyǐ zuò zhèlǐ ma?)
Real Conversations
To truly grasp 可以 (kěyǐ), observe how native speakers deploy it in everyday interactions. These examples demonstrate its versatility in seeking, granting, and denying permission, as well as discussing practical possibilities.
Scenario 1
Student
老师，我，我有点不舒服，可以出去喝水吗？ (Lǎoshī, wǒ, wǒ yǒudiǎn bù shūfú, kěyǐ chūqù hēshuǐ ma?)Teacher
可以，但是不要去太久。 (Kěyǐ, dànshì bùyào qù tài jiǔ.)Translation:
Student
Teacher
- Here, 可以 (kěyǐ) is used to politely request permission, and the teacher's simple 可以 (kěyǐ) grants it, followed by a condition.
Scenario 2
A
我们今天晚上去哪里吃饭？ (Wǒmen jīntiān wǎnshàng qù nǎlǐ chīfàn?)B
附近有家新开的火锅店，我们可以去尝尝。 (Fùjìn yǒu jiā xīn kāi de huǒguōdiàn, wǒmen kěyǐ qù chángcháng.)Translation:
A
B
- 可以 (kěyǐ) here indicates a feasible option or suggestion, not strict permission. The context makes it clear that trying the restaurant is a possibility.
Scenario 3
A
明天你可不可以帮我搬一下家？ (Míngtiān nǐ kě bu kěyǐ bāng wǒ bān yīxià jiā?)B
抱歉，明天我已经有安排了，不可以。 (Bàoqiàn, míngtiān wǒ yǐjīng yǒu ānpái le, bù kěyǐ.)Translation:
A
B
- The A-not-A form 可不可以 (kě bu kěyǐ) makes the request direct but polite. B's response 不可以 (bù kěyǐ) clearly states that due to existing arrangements, the action is not permissible for them.
Scenario 4
Customer
请问，这里可以支付宝付款吗？ (Qǐngwèn, zhèlǐ kěyǐ zhīfùbǎo fùkuǎn ma?)Clerk
是的，可以。 (Shì de, kěyǐ.)Translation:
Customer
Clerk
- This illustrates 可以 (kěyǐ) being used to inquire about the methods of payment, indicating circumstantial possibility or what is permitted by the establishment.
These dialogues show that 可以 (kěyǐ) is interwoven into daily communication, making it an essential building block for practical Chinese proficiency.
Quick FAQ
可以 (kěyǐ), especially in relation to other modal verbs.可以 (kěyǐ) and 能 (néng) for A1 learners?可以 (kěyǐ): Primarily for permission (is it allowed by rules/people?) and social/circumstantial possibility (is it feasible given the situation?). It often implies an external "green light."- Example:
我可以坐在这里吗？ (Wǒ kěyǐ zuò zài zhèlǐ ma?)– "May I sit here?" (Asking for permission from someone or the situation). - Example:
这里可以刷卡。 (Zhèlǐ kěyǐ shuākǎ.)– "You can pay by card here." (It's an allowed method).
能 (néng): Primarily for physical ability (can your body do it?) and objective possibility (is it possible given objective conditions?). It implies an inherent or circumstantial capability without explicit permission being the main focus.- Example:
我太累了，不能走了。 (Wǒ tài lèi le, bù néng zǒu le.)– "I'm too tired, I can't walk anymore." (Physical inability). - Example:
这条路太滑了，不能开车。 (Zhè tiáo lù tài huá le, bù néng kāichē.)– "This road is too slippery, one cannot drive." (Objective condition prevents driving).
能 (néng) also expresses a general possibility that an action can occur, often because there are no obstacles. For instance, sometimes 你可以去 (Nǐ kěyǐ qù) and 你能去 (Nǐ néng qù) might both mean "You can go," but 可以 (kěyǐ) leans towards permission, while 能 (néng) might lean towards whether you're free/available/able to go. When in doubt for A1, use 可以 (kěyǐ) for permission questions.不可以 (bù kěyǐ) is direct, but 不能 (bù néng) can also be used, often implying that the circumstances (or even the speaker's personal availability) don't allow it.不可以 (bù kěyǐ): This is the direct negation of可以 (kěyǐ)and clearly states that something is not permitted. It's polite but firm.- Example:
不可以，这里不能拍照。 (Bù kěyǐ, zhèlǐ bù néng pāizhào.)– "No, you can't, taking photos is not allowed here." (Denying permission, often followed by a reason).
不行 (bùxíng): This is an extremely common and versatile expression meaning "not okay," "no go," or "it won't do." It's often used as a standalone response to deny a request or state impossibility, sounding very natural in conversational Chinese.- Example:
不行，时间来不及了。 (Bùxíng, shíjiān láibují le.)– "No, it won't do, there's not enough time." (Denying a suggestion due to time constraints). - Example: A:
我可以开窗吗？ (Wǒ kěyǐ kāi chuāng ma?)– "May I open the window?" B:不行。 (Bùxíng.)– "No." (Simple denial).
不能 (bù néng): If the denial is due to a lack of physical ability or objective circumstances rather than a direct prohibition,不能 (bù néng)is appropriate.- Example:
对不起，我不能帮你。 (Duìbùqǐ, wǒ bù néng bāng nǐ.)– "Sorry, I can't help you." (Implying the speaker is unable to help due to their own circumstances or lack of capacity, rather than being forbidden).
可以 (kěyǐ) be used alone as a response?可以！(Kěyǐ!) is a common and concise way to give affirmative permission or to agree that something is possible/okay. It translates to "Yes!," "Okay!," "Sure!," or "You may!"- Example: A:
我可以用你的电脑吗？ (Wǒ kěyǐ yòng nǐ de diànnǎo ma?)– "May I use your computer?" - B:
可以！(Kěyǐ!)– "Sure! / You may!"
可以 (kěyǐ) considered very polite?可以 (kěyǐ) is generally a polite way to ask for or grant permission. It acknowledges social norms and the potential need for approval. While there are more formal ways to phrase requests (e.g., using 请问 (qǐngwèn) "May I ask..."), 可以 (kěyǐ) itself is a standard and respectful choice for A1 learners in most everyday situations.Formation of {可以|kěyǐ} Sentences
| Type | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Subject + 可以 + Verb
|
我 可以 走 (I can go)
|
|
Negative
|
Subject + 不可以 + Verb
|
你 不可以 走 (You cannot go)
|
|
Question
|
Subject + 可以 + Verb + 吗?
|
你 可以 走 吗? (Can you go?)
|
|
Short Answer (Yes)
|
可以
|
可以 (Yes, I can)
|
|
Short Answer (No)
|
不可以
|
不可以 (No, you can't)
|
|
Past Tense
|
Subject + 可以 + Verb + 了
|
昨天 可以 走 了 (It was possible to go yesterday)
|
Meanings
The modal verb {可以|kěyǐ} is used to express permission, possibility, or capability. In the context of requests, it functions exactly like the English 'may' or 'can'.
Permission
Asking or giving consent to perform an action.
“{可以|kěyǐ} {开|kāi} {窗户|chuānghu} {吗|ma}?”
“{你|nǐ} {可以|kěyǐ} {走|zǒu} {了|le}。”
Possibility
Expressing that something is feasible or possible.
“{这|zhè} {种|zhǒng} {情况|qíngkuàng} {可以|kěyǐ} {解决|jiějué}。”
“{明天|míngtiān} {可以|kěyǐ} {去|qù} {公园|gōngyuán} {吗|ma}？”
Capability/Quality
Describing something as acceptable or good enough.
“{这|zhè} {个|gè} {菜|cài} {味道|wèidào} {还|hái} {可以|kěyǐ}。”
“{他|tā} {的|de} {中文|zhōngwén} {还|hái} {可以|kěyǐ}。”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Subj + 可以 + Verb
|
我 可以 进去。
|
|
Negative
|
Subj + 不可以 + Verb
|
你 不可以 进去。
|
|
Question
|
Subj + 可以 + Verb + 吗?
|
你 可以 进去 吗?
|
|
Short Affirmative
|
可以
|
可以。
|
|
Short Negative
|
不可以
|
不可以。
|
|
Suggestion
|
我们 + 可以 + Verb
|
我们 可以 走。
|
Formality Spectrum
请问，我可以坐这里吗？ (Asking to sit in a public place)
我可以坐这儿吗？ (Asking to sit in a public place)
我坐这儿行吗？ (Asking to sit in a public place)
这儿能坐吗？ (Asking to sit in a public place)
Uses of {可以|kěyǐ}
Permission
- 进去 Enter
- 坐 Sit
Possibility
- 解决 Solve
- 见面 Meet
Quality
- 不错 Not bad
- 还行 Okay
Examples by Level
{我|wǒ} {可以|kěyǐ} {坐|zuò} {这儿|zhèr} {吗|ma}?
Can I sit here?
{你|nǐ} {可以|kěyǐ} {走|zǒu} {了|le}。
You may go now.
{可以|kěyǐ} {开|kāi} {门|mén} {吗|ma}?
Can you open the door?
{这|zhè} {个|gè} {可以|kěyǐ} {吃|chī} {吗|ma}?
Can this be eaten?
{我们|wǒmen} {可以|kěyǐ} {明天|míngtiān} {见面|jiànmiàn} {吗|ma}?
Can we meet tomorrow?
{不可以|bù kěyǐ} {在|zài} {图书馆|túshūguǎn} {大声|dàshēng} {说话|shuōhuà}。
You cannot speak loudly in the library.
{这|zhè} {种|zhǒng} {方法|fāngfǎ} {可以|kěyǐ} {解决|jiějué} {问题|wèntí}。
This method can solve the problem.
{你|nǐ} {可以|kěyǐ} {帮|bāng} {我|wǒ} {一|yī} {下|xià} {吗|ma}?
Can you help me for a second?
{如果|rúguǒ} {你|nǐ} {有|yǒu} {时间|shíjiān}, {可以|kěyǐ} {来|lái} {我|wǒ} {家|jiā} {玩|wán}。
If you have time, you can come to my house to hang out.
{这|zhè} {件|jiàn} {事情|shìqíng} {可以|kěyǐ} {以后|yǐhòu} {再|zài} {说|shuō}。
This matter can be discussed later.
{他|tā} {的|de} {中文|zhōngwén} {水平|shuǐpíng} {还|hái} {可以|kěyǐ}。
His Chinese level is pretty decent.
{这|zhè} {里|lǐ} {不可以|bù kěyǐ} {拍照|pāizhào}。
Photography is not allowed here.
{无论|wúlùn} {怎么|zěnme} {做|zuò}, {都|dōu} {可以|kěyǐ} {达到|dádào} {目的|mùdì}。
No matter how you do it, you can achieve the goal.
{你|nǐ} {可以|kěyǐ} {把|bǎ} {这|zhè} {个|gè} {文件|wénjiàn} {发|fā} {给|gěi} {我|wǒ} {吗|ma}?
Could you send this document to me?
{这|zhè} {样|yàng} {做|zuò} {可以|kěyǐ} {避免|bìmiǎn} {很多|hěnduō} {麻烦|máfan}。
Doing it this way can avoid a lot of trouble.
{他|tā} {说|shuō} {可以|kěyǐ}, {那|nà} {就|jiù} {没|méi} {问题|wèntí} {了|le}。
He said it's okay, so there's no problem.
{这|zhè} {种|zhǒng} {情况|qíngkuàng} {下|xià}, {我们|wǒmen} {可以|kěyǐ} {采取|cǎiqǔ} {更|gèng} {灵活|línghuó} {的|de} {策略|cèlüè}。
Under these circumstances, we can adopt a more flexible strategy.
{如果|rúguǒ} {可以|kěyǐ} {的|de} {话|huà}, {我|wǒ} {想|xiǎng} {请|qǐng} {个|gè} {假|jià}。
If it's possible, I'd like to take some time off.
{这|zhè} {部|bù} {电影|diànyǐng} {拍|pāi} {得|de} {还|hái} {可以|kěyǐ}, {但|dàn} {剧情|jùqíng} {有点|yǒudiǎn} {拖沓|tuōtà}。
This movie is decent, but the plot is a bit draggy.
{你|nǐ} {可以|kěyǐ} {不|bù} {去|qù}, {但|dàn} {后果|hòuguǒ} {自负|zìfù}。
You can choose not to go, but you'll bear the consequences.
{这|zhè} {种|zhǒng} {逻辑|luójí} {在|zài} {理论|lǐlùn} {上|shàng} {是|shì} {可以|kěyǐ} {成立|chénglì} {的|de}。
This logic is theoretically sound.
{他|tā} {那|nà} {人|rén} {还|hái} {可以|kěyǐ}, {没|méi} {什么|shénme} {坏|huài} {心眼|xīnyǎn}。
He's a decent guy, no bad intentions.
{既然|jìrán} {你|nǐ} {都|dōu} {这么|zhème} {说|shuō} {了|le}, {那|nà} {就|jiù} {可以|kěyǐ} {按|àn} {你|nǐ} {的|de} {意思|yìsi} {办|bàn} {吧|ba}。
Since you've said so, we can proceed according to your wishes.
{这|zhè} {事儿|shìr} {可以|kěyǐ} {商量|shāngliáng}, {别|bié} {急|jí} {着|zhe} {下|xià} {结论|jiélùn}。
This matter is open for discussion, don't rush to a conclusion.
Easily Confused
Both mean 'can', but {能|néng} implies physical capacity while {可以|kěyǐ} implies permission.
Learners use {可以|kěyǐ} for skills they have learned.
Both mean 'okay' or 'can'.
Common Mistakes
我 走 可以 吗?
我 可以 走 吗?
我 会 坐 这儿 吗?
我 可以 坐 这儿 吗?
我 可以 坐 了 吗?
我 可以 坐 吗?
可以 我 坐 吗?
我 可以 坐 吗?
你 不 可以 走 吗?
你 不 可以 走。
我 可以 说话 吗?
我 可以 说话 吗?
我 可以 懂 吗?
我 能 懂 吗?
他 可以 游泳。
他 会 游泳。
我 可以 搬 这个 箱子。
我 能 搬 这个 箱子。
不可以 进去。
不 可以 进去。
这 可以 解决 吗?
这 可以 解决 吗?
我 可以 认为...
我 认为...
不可以 这样 做。
不 可以 这样 做。
他 可以 跑 很快。
他 能 跑 很快。
Sentence Patterns
我 ___ ___ 吗?
我们 ___ ___ 吗?
你 ___ ___ 吗?
如果 ___ , 就 ___.
Real World Usage
明天可以见面吗？
可以加点辣吗？
我可以问一个问题吗？
这里可以拍照吗？
可以转发吗？
我可以去洗手间吗？
Keep it simple
Don't confuse with {会|huì}
Use {吗|ma}
Be polite
Smart Tips
Add {请问|qǐngwèn} at the start to sound much more polite.
Use {可以|kěyǐ} + {这样|zhèyàng} + {做|zuò} (Can I do it this way?).
Use {方便|fāngbiàn} {吗|ma} instead of {可以|kěyǐ} {吗|ma}.
Use {是|shì} {可以|kěyǐ} {的|de} to confirm permission.
Pronunciation
Tone of {可以|kěyǐ}
Both are third tones. In fast speech, the first syllable often sounds like a second tone.
Question intonation
Sentence + 吗? (rising pitch)
Indicates a yes/no question.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'K-Y' as 'Key'—{可以|kěyǐ} is the key that unlocks permission to do an action.
Visual Association
Imagine a person holding a golden key (Kěyǐ) that opens a locked door (the verb). Without the key, the door stays shut (不可以).
Rhyme
Before the verb, put {可以|kěyǐ}, to ask for permission, it's the key.
Story
Little Bear wants to enter the honey cave. He asks the Bee, '{我|wǒ} {可以|kěyǐ} {进去|jìnqù} {吗|ma}?' The Bee says, '{不可以|bù kěyǐ}!' Little Bear tries again, '{我|wǒ} {可以|kěyǐ} {吃|chī} {一|yī} {点点|diǎndiǎn} {吗|ma}?' The Bee smiles and says, '{可以|kěyǐ}!'
Word Web
Challenge
For the next 5 minutes, ask a friend or yourself 3 questions using '{可以|kěyǐ} ... {吗|ma}?'
Cultural Notes
Using {可以|kěyǐ} is very common. It is polite but direct.
Taiwanese speakers often use {可以|kěyǐ} in a softer, more frequent way.
Cantonese speakers often use '得唔得' (dé m dé) as an equivalent to {可以|kěyǐ} {吗|ma}.
The character {可|kě} originally meant 'to approve' or 'to allow'.
Conversation Starters
我可以坐这儿吗？
我们可以明天见面吗？
我可以借用你的笔吗？
这件事情我们可以以后再讨论吗？
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
我 ___ 坐这儿吗？
Which sentence is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
他可以游泳吗？ (He knows how to swim)
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
Can I drink water?
Answer starts with: 我可以...
What is the negative of {可以|kěyǐ}?
你 ___ 在这儿抽烟。
Use: 我们, 可以, 见面
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises我 ___ 坐这儿吗？
Which sentence is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
他可以游泳吗？ (He knows how to swim)
吗 / 我 / 坐 / 可以 / 这儿
Can I drink water?
What is the negative of {可以|kěyǐ}?
你 ___ 在这儿抽烟。
Use: 我们, 可以, 见面
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesMom, ___ I go out to play? 妈妈，我___出去玩吗？
Select the sentence that means 'You can take the bus to go there'.
He can cook Chinese food (he learned how). Incorrect: 他可以做中国菜。
Choose the correct translation.
You cannot park here. 你___在这里停车。 (Nǐ ___ zài zhèlǐ tíngchē.)
Can I use your phone? Incorrect: 我可以用你的手机？ (Missing particle)
Select the most natural way to ask a friend for help.
I don't know how to drive. 我___开车。 (Wǒ ___ kāichē.)
My leg is broken, I ___ walk.
Can we eat this? 我们___吃这个？ (Wǒmen ___ chī zhège?)
Q: Can I come in? A: Yes. Incorrect A: 是 (Shì)。
Score: /12
FAQ (8)
No, {可以|kěyǐ} never changes. Use time markers like {昨天|zuótiān} to indicate past.
Usually no. Use {能|néng} or {会|huì} for ability.
It is neutral. It works in almost all situations.
It is {不可以|bù kěyǐ}.
Yes, as a short answer: 'Can I go?' '可以!'
Yes, it is often used to mean 'it's okay'.
Because English 'can' covers both. Remember: {会|huì} = skill, {可以|kěyǐ} = permission.
Add {请问|qǐngwèn} at the beginning.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Poder
Chinese has more modal verbs for different types of 'can'.
Pouvoir
French conjugates the verb, Chinese does not.
Können / Dürfen
German has two distinct verbs for these concepts.
Dekiru
Japanese uses a completely different grammatical structure for permission.
Yastati'u
Arabic grammar is much more complex with gender and person.
可以
None.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Grammar Rules
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