Can You Do It? Modal Verb 能 (Physical Ability)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
The modal verb {能|néng} expresses physical ability or permission and always sits directly before the main verb.
- Place {能|néng} before the main verb: 我{能|néng}去 (I can go).
- Make it negative with {不|bù}: 我不{能|néng}去 (I cannot go).
- Form questions with {吗|ma}: 你{能|néng}去吗？ (Can you go?).
Overview
Learning Chinese, you quickly encounter the concept of "can," but unlike English, Mandarin distinguishes between various forms of ability and possibility. The modal verb 能 (néng) is fundamental to expressing physical ability or objective possibility/circumstance. At its core, 能 (néng) addresses whether someone or something has the capacity to perform an action, either due to their inherent physical state, health, strength, or because external conditions permit it.
It contrasts sharply with abilities that are learned (会 huì) or granted permission (可以 kěyǐ). Understanding 能 (néng) precisely is crucial because it reflects a deeper linguistic tendency in Chinese to specify the nature of an ability, guiding you to communicate with greater clarity and accuracy.
Think of 能 (néng) as answering the question: "Is it physically or circumstantially possible?" If your body is healthy and strong enough, you 能 (néng) do it. If the weather, time, or rules allow, you 能 (néng) do it. This distinction is not merely semantic; it shapes how Chinese speakers perceive and articulate capability in daily life, moving beyond the broad, undifferentiated "can" of many Indo-European languages.
Mastering 能 (néng) allows you to describe real-world constraints and opportunities, making your Chinese more natural and expressive from the very beginning.
How This Grammar Works
能 (néng) functions as a modal verb, preceding the main verb in a sentence. Its primary role is to indicate ability based on internal physical conditions or possibility based on external circumstances. This dual focus is key to grasping its usage.能 (néng), you are commenting on the objective feasibility of an action.能 (néng) signifies physical capability. This refers to your body's current state, health, strength, or innate biological functions. For instance, if you are well-rested, you 能 (néng) run a marathon.不能 (bù néng) do so, even if you possess the learned skill of running. 我病了，不能上班。 (Wǒ bìng le, bù néng shàngbān. - I'm sick, I can't go to work.) In this example, the physical condition (sickness) directly prevents the action.他现在很虚弱，不能走太远。 (Tā xiànzài hěn xūruò, bù néng zǒu tài yuǎn. - He is very weak now, he can't walk too far.) highlights a temporary physical limitation.能 (néng) expresses objective possibility or circumstantial permission. This usage focuses on external factors like time, environment, available resources, or rules that make an action possible or impossible. It's not about what someone allows you to do, but what the objective reality permits.不能 (bù néng) enter. If it's too dark, you 不能 (bù néng) see clearly. 今天太晚了，我们不能去看电影了。 (Jīntiān tài wǎn le, wǒmen bù néng qù kàn diànyǐng le.太晚了 tài wǎn le) makes the action impossible. Another example: 这个周末我有很多工作，不能陪你出去玩。 (Zhège zhōumò wǒ yǒu hěn duō gōngzuò, bù néng péi nǐ chūqù wán. - I have a lot of work this weekend, I can't go out to play with you.) This indicates a circumstantial inability due to a busy schedule.能 (néng) deals with objective, tangible conditions. If there's a barrier – be it physical strength, health, time, weather, or a physical rule (like a maximum capacity) – 能 (néng) is the appropriate choice. This contrasts with other modals which address learned capabilities or granted permissions.能 (néng) often implies a neutral, factual statement about what is, or is not, feasible.Formation Pattern
能 (néng) is straightforward and does not change based on the subject's person or number. As a modal verb, 能 (néng) directly precedes the main verb of the sentence. This simplicity makes it highly accessible for A1 learners.
能 (néng) + Verb (Phrase) + (Object)
我能举起这个箱子。 (Wǒ néng jǔqǐ zhège xiāngzi. - I can lift this box.) – Physical strength.
这台电脑能上网。 (Zhè tái diànnǎo néng shàngwǎng. - This computer can go online.) – Inherent capability of an object.
今天天气很好，我们能出去散步。 (Jīntiān tiānqì hěn hǎo, wǒmen néng chūqù sànbù. - The weather is good today, we can go out for a walk.) – Favorable external condition.
不 (bù) before 能 (néng). The combined form is 不能 (bù néng).
不能 (bù néng) + Verb (Phrase) + (Object)
我今天身体不舒服，不能去上课。 (Wǒ jīntiān shēntǐ bù shūfú, bù néng qù shàngkè. - I'm not feeling well today, I can't go to class.) – Physical inability due to health.
这个房间不能住三个人。 (Zhège fángjiān bù néng zhù sān ge rén. - This room cannot accommodate three people.) – Objective capacity limit.
图书馆晚上十点关门，我们不能再待了。 (Túshūguǎn wǎnshàng shí diǎn guānmén, wǒmen bù néng zài dāi le. - The library closes at 10 PM, we can't stay any longer.) – External time constraint.
能 (néng).
吗 (ma): This is the simplest and most common way to form a yes/no question.
能 (néng) + Verb (Phrase) + (Object) + 吗 (ma)?
你现在能帮我一下吗？ (Nǐ xiànzài néng bāng wǒ yīxià ma? - Can you help me for a moment now?) – Asking about current availability/possibility.
这台机器能正常工作吗？ (Zhè tái jīqì néng zhèngcháng gōngzuò ma? - Can this machine work normally?) – Asking about functional capability.
能不能 néng bù néng): This question structure offers a slightly more direct or expectant tone.
能不能 (néng bù néng) + Verb (Phrase) + (Object)?
你能不能明天早上来？ (Nǐ néng bù néng míngtiān zǎoshang lái? - Can you come tomorrow morning?) – Asking if it's feasible for you.
这本书能不能在网上找到？ (Zhè běn shū néng bù néng zài wǎngshàng zhǎodào? - Can this book be found online?) – Asking about its online availability.
能 (néng) + Verb (+ Obj) | Wǒ néng chī sì wǎn mǐfàn. | 我能吃四碗米饭。 | I can eat four bowls of rice. |
不能 (bù néng) + Verb (+ Obj) | Tā bù néng chūguó. | 他不能出国。 | He cannot go abroad. |
吗) | Subject + 能 (néng) + Verb (+ Obj) + 吗 (ma)? | Nǐ néng zài shí fēnzhōng dào ma? | 你能在十分钟到吗？ | Can you arrive in ten minutes? |
能不能 (néng bù néng) + Verb (+ Obj)? | Zhège zhōumò nǐ néng bù néng jiābān? | 这个周末你能不能加班？ | Can you work overtime this weekend? |
When To Use It
能 (néng) is used in various situations where the focus is on objective capacity or possibility. Understanding these nuances is critical for accurate expression.我跑了十公里，现在腿很酸，不能走了。(Wǒ pǎo le shí gōnglǐ, xiànzài tuǐ hěn suān, bù néng zǒu le. - I ran ten kilometers, my legs are very sore now, I can't walk.) – Temporary physical inability.婴儿现在还不能自己吃饭。(Yīng'ér xiànzài hái bù néng zìjǐ chīfàn. - Babies still can't eat by themselves.) – Developmental physical stage.你的手受伤了，能写字吗？(Nǐ de shǒu shòushāng le, néng xiězì ma? - Your hand is injured, can you write?) – Inquiring about physical capability despite injury.
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.) – Weather as an external constraint.这家餐厅不接受预订，只能排队。(Zhè jiā cāntīng bù jiēshòu yùdìng, zhǐ néng páiduì. - This restaurant doesn't accept reservations, you can only queue up.) – Rule/policy as a constraint.我的电脑坏了，不能发邮件。(Wǒ de diànnǎo huài le, bù néng fā yóujiàn. - My computer is broken, I can't send emails.) – Broken equipment as a constraint.
可以 (kěyǐ) is generally preferred for requesting or granting explicit permission, 能 (néng) can be used to ask if something is objectively feasible or allowed by the circumstances, subtly implying permission.请问，我能在这里抽烟吗？(Qǐngwèn, wǒ néng zài zhèlǐ chōuyān ma? - Excuse me, can I smoke here?) – More literally, "Is it possible/allowed by the environment for me to smoke here?" This is less about being granted authority and more about environmental feasibility or rules.你现在不能进入实验室，因为你没有穿防护服。(Nǐ xiànzài bù néng jìnrù shíyànshì, yīnwèi nǐ méiyǒu chuān fánghùfú. - You cannot enter the lab now because you are not wearing protective clothing.) – A rule or safety requirement prevents entry.
能 (néng) can be used to indicate a reasonable or likely outcome based on known facts or observations, suggesting that something can or will happen given the circumstances.他每天都努力学习，肯定能通过考试。(Tā měitiān dōu nǔlì xuéxí, kěndìng néng tōngguò kǎoshì. - He studies hard every day, he can definitely pass the exam.) – An inference of success based on effort.这么小的房间，能住下三个人吗？(Zhème xiǎo de fángjiān, néng zhùxià sān ge rén ma? - Such a small room, can it fit three people?) – Questioning the objective capacity/feasibility.
能 (néng) is not limited to human abilities; it also describes the inherent functions or capacities of things and living creatures.我的手机能拍照也能录像。(Wǒ de shǒujī néng pāizhào yě néng lùxiàng. - My phone can take photos and record videos.) – Inherent functions of an object.这种鸟能飞很远。(Zhè zhǒng niǎo néng fēi hěn yuǎn. - This kind of bird can fly very far.) – Natural capability of an animal.
能 (néng) serves as a versatile tool for describing what is objectively possible or not, focusing on the real-world conditions and capabilities that allow actions to occur. It provides a more precise and context-dependent understanding ofFormation of {能|néng}
| Type | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Subject + 能 + Verb
|
我能去
|
|
Negative
|
Subject + 不能 + Verb
|
我不能去
|
|
Question
|
Subject + 能 + Verb + 吗?
|
你能去吗?
|
|
Short Answer
|
能 / 不能
|
能 / 不能
|
|
Time-based
|
Time + Subject + 能 + Verb
|
明天我能去
|
|
Object-based
|
Subject + 能 + Verb + Object
|
我能吃苹果
|
Meanings
The modal verb {能|néng} indicates that a person has the physical capacity, skill, or external permission to perform an action.
Physical Ability
Possessing the physical strength or skill to do an action.
“我{能|néng}跑很快。”
“他{能|néng}举起这个箱子。”
Permission
Having the right or authorization to do something.
“这里不{能|néng}抽烟。”
“我{能|néng}坐这儿吗？”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Subj + 能 + Verb
|
我能跑
|
|
Negative
|
Subj + 不能 + Verb
|
我不能跑
|
|
Question
|
Subj + 能 + Verb + 吗
|
你能跑吗
|
|
Short Affirmative
|
能
|
能
|
|
Short Negative
|
不能
|
不能
|
|
With Time
|
Time + Subj + 能 + Verb
|
今天我能跑
|
Formality Spectrum
我可以坐在这里吗？ (Asking for a seat)
我能坐这儿吗？ (Asking for a seat)
能坐这儿吗？ (Asking for a seat)
这儿能坐吗？ (Asking for a seat)
Uses of {能|néng}
Physical
- 跑步 run
- 举重 lift
Permission
- 坐下 sit down
- 进入 enter
Examples by Level
我{能|néng}去。
I can go.
你{能|néng}听吗？
Can you listen?
他不能来。
He cannot come.
我{能|néng}吃。
I can eat.
今天我不能去学校。
I cannot go to school today.
你{能|néng}帮我吗？
Can you help me?
这儿不能停车。
You cannot park here.
我{能|néng}喝两杯咖啡。
I can drink two cups of coffee.
虽然很累，但我{能|néng}坚持。
Although I'm tired, I can persist.
你{能|néng}告诉我怎么走吗？
Can you tell me how to get there?
我不{能|néng}接受这个结果。
I cannot accept this result.
他{能|néng}在十分钟内跑完。
He can finish running in 10 minutes.
我们{能|néng}通过合作解决问题。
We can solve the problem through cooperation.
这台机器{能|néng}自动运行。
This machine can run automatically.
你{能|néng}保证他会来吗？
Can you guarantee he will come?
我{能|néng}理解你的想法。
I can understand your thoughts.
他{能|néng}有如此成就，全靠努力。
That he can have such achievements is all due to hard work.
难道我们不能改变现状吗？
Can we not change the status quo?
无论如何，我{能|néng}做到。
No matter what, I can do it.
这{能|néng}算是一个好的开始。
This can be considered a good start.
若非亲眼所见，谁{能|néng}相信？
If not seen with one's own eyes, who could believe it?
此举{能|néng}否奏效，尚待观察。
Whether this move can work remains to be seen.
他{能|néng}言人之所不能言。
He can say what others cannot say.
非{能|néng}力所及，勿强求。
If it is beyond one's ability, do not force it.
Easily Confused
Both translate to 'can' in English.
Both are used for permission.
Learners put it after the verb.
Common Mistakes
我吃能
我能吃
我能了去
我能去
我能会去
我能去
我能去吗
我能去吗？
我会游泳 (when meaning physical capacity)
我能游泳
我能去吗？ (when asking for permission)
我可以去吗？
我不能去吗？
我不能去。
我能做那个 (when meaning 'I know how')
我会做那个
能我进去？
我能进去吗？
他能去吗？ (when he is physically unable)
他不能去。
能他去？
他能去吗？
我能做到了。
我能做到。
能吗他去？
他能去吗？
我能会做。
我会做。
Sentence Patterns
我___做这件事。
你___帮我吗？
虽然很累，但我___坚持。
这里___停车。
Real World Usage
我能去！
你能来吗？
我能胜任这项工作。
我能换票吗？
能快点吗？
老师，我能出去吗？
Don't conjugate!
Don't stack!
Use for permission
Politeness
Smart Tips
Use {可以|kěyǐ} instead of {能|néng} to sound more polite.
Use {会|huì} for things you learned.
Don't forget the question particle {吗|ma}!
Place {不|bù} before the modal.
Pronunciation
Tone
The character {能|néng} is in the second tone (rising).
Question
你能去吗？↗
Rising intonation at the end for questions.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Neng' as 'Energy'. If you have the energy, you 'neng' (can) do it!
Visual Association
Imagine a battery icon filling up. When it's full, you have the 'neng' to do anything.
Rhyme
If you have the energy, you'll be able to see, that 'neng' is the word for 'can' for you and me.
Story
Little Bear wants to climb a tree. He looks at his paws and says, 'I have energy! I {能|néng} climb!' He climbs up, feeling proud. His friend asks, 'Can you come down?' He says, 'Yes, I {能|néng}!'
Word Web
Challenge
Write 5 sentences about things you can do today using {能|néng}.
Cultural Notes
Used frequently in daily life for permission and ability.
Similar usage, though 'kěyǐ' is often preferred for permission.
Often use 'hóyǐ' (可以) for both ability and permission.
The character {能|néng} originally depicted a bear, representing strength and capability.
Conversation Starters
你能说中文吗？
你能帮我吗？
你今天能来吗？
你能解释一下这个吗？
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
我___去学校。
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
我吃能。
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
I cannot go.
Answer starts with: 我不能...
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
我能吃。
Modal verbs take 'le'.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises我___去学校。
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
我吃能。
去 / 我 / 能 / 吗
I cannot go.
Can you go?
我能吃。
Modal verbs take 'le'.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
8 exercisesCan you come tomorrow?
{能|néng} / {我|wǒ} / {个|gè} / {吃|chī} / {五|wǔ} / {苹果|píngguǒ}
Match the phrases:
{鸟|niǎo} ___ {飞|fēi}，{鱼|yú} ___ {游|yóu}。
How do you ask a teacher if they can help you?
{我|wǒ}{能|néng}{说|shuō}{一点儿|yìdiǎnr}{中文|Zhōngwén}。
Can you see the screen?
{电脑|diànnǎo} / {不|bù} / {我|wǒ} / {能|néng} / {用|yòng} / {的|de}
Score: /8
FAQ (8)
No, modal verbs like {能|néng} do not take aspect markers like 'le'.
{会|huì} is for learned skills, {能|néng} is for physical capacity.
It always goes before the main verb.
Put {不|bù} before {能|néng}.
It is neutral and used in all registers.
Yes, but {可以|kěyǐ} is often more polite.
The modal verb goes before the first verb.
Yes, add {吗|ma} at the end.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Poder
Spanish conjugates the verb; Chinese does not.
Pouvoir
French requires conjugation for person and tense.
Können
German verbs change based on the subject.
Dekiru
Japanese grammar is SOV, and 'dekiru' is a main verb.
Yastati'u
Arabic is highly inflected.
能
N/A
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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...
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...
Chinese Willingness: How to use 肯 (kěn)
Overview In Chinese grammar, expressing concepts like 'want' or 'can' is relatively direct. However, a more nuanced idea...
