How to say 'Can' or 'Able To': 能 (néng)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use {能|néng} to express physical ability, permission, or possibility by placing it before the main verb.
- Place {能|néng} before the verb: {我|wǒ}{能|néng}{去|qù} (I can go).
- For negative, use {不能|bùnéng}: {我|wǒ}{不能|bùnéng}{去|qù} (I cannot go).
- For questions, use {能...吗|néng...ma} or {能不能|néngbùnéng}: {你|nǐ}{能|néng}{去|qù}{吗|ma}?
Overview
In Chinese, the English word "can" splinters into several distinct concepts, each conveyed by a different modal verb. Among these, 能 (néng) is a fundamental and frequently used auxiliary verb that specifically addresses two primary facets of capability: physical ability and circumstantial possibility. It asks whether you possess the inherent physical capacity, or if external conditions and circumstances permit an action.
Unlike English "can" which can also denote learned skills or permission, 能 (néng) remains firmly anchored to the tangible and the situational.
Imagine you are at a noisy train station. You 能 (néng) hear the announcements only if your ears are functioning correctly and the volume is sufficient. This relates to physical ability and circumstantial possibility.
If you possess the skill of understanding Chinese, that would be 会 (huì). If you are allowed to enter the platform, that is 可以 (kěyǐ). Understanding this core distinction is critical for expressing yourself accurately and avoiding common misunderstandings in Chinese.
The character 能 (néng) itself carries a historical meaning related to being capable or competent, often depicted as a bear (熊 xióng) which historically symbolized strength and ability. This etymological root reinforces its modern usage concerning raw power or the practical feasibility of an action. Mastering 能 (néng) will significantly enhance your ability to discuss practical matters, make plans, and navigate daily life in China, allowing you to articulate what is truly feasible or physically possible.
How This Grammar Works
能 (néng) functions as a modal verb (also known as an auxiliary verb), meaning it precedes the main verb in a sentence to modify its meaning. Its primary role is to express capability or possibility as determined by internal physical attributes or external situational factors. A crucial feature of 能 (néng), like other Chinese modal verbs, is its invariance.能 (néng).能 (néng) are conveyed through other elements, such as time adverbs like 昨天 zuótiān (yesterday) or 明天 míngtiān (tomorrow), or by the context of the conversation. The modal verb itself remains static. For example, whether you say "I can come today" or "I could come yesterday," 能 (néng) itself remains unchanged.能 (néng) a relatively straightforward element of Chinese grammar once its core meaning is understood.能 (néng) is directly after the subject and immediately before the main verb. It creates a tightly bound unit with the verb it modifies, indicating the capability or possibility of performing that action.- 我
wǒ能néng跑pǎo。 (Icanrun.) - Implies physical ability. - 你
nǐ能néng来lái吗ma？ (Can youcome?) - Implies circumstantial possibility (e.g., do you have time?).
能 (néng) a powerful tool for expressing practical limitations and opportunities in various situations.Formation Pattern
能 (néng) follows a highly predictable structure, reflecting the general subject-verb-object order of Chinese grammar. There are three main patterns to master for positive statements, negative statements, and questions.
能 (néng) directly before the main verb.
能 (néng) + Verb (+ Object)
wǒ | I |
néng | can |
chī | eat |
hěn duō fàn | a lot of food |
wǒ 能 néng 举 jǔ 起来 qǐlái。 (I can lift it up.) - Indicates physical strength.
tā 能 néng 明天 míngtiān 来 lái。 (He can come tomorrow.) - Indicates circumstantial possibility (e.g., he has time, is available).
zhège fángjiān 能 néng 坐 zuò 五个人 wǔ gè rén。 (This room can seat five people.) - Indicates capacity.
不 (bù) directly before 能 (néng). This forms 不能 (bù néng).
不 (bù) is normally a fourth tone. However, its tone changes to a second tone when it precedes another fourth tone character. Since 能 (néng) is a second tone, 不 (bù) in 不能 (bù néng) retains its original fourth tone. So, it is pronounced bù néng.
不能 (bù néng) + Verb (+ Object)
wǒ | I |
bù néng | cannot |
chī | eat |
là de | spicy food |
wǒ 不能 bù néng 喝酒 hējiǔ。 (I cannot drink alcohol.) - Perhaps due to health, medication, or driving (circumstance).
tā 现在 xiànzài 不能 bù néng 走路 zǒulù。 (He cannot walk right now.) - Perhaps he broke his leg (physical inability).
tài chǎole，我 wǒ 不能 bù néng 睡觉 shuìjiào。 (It's too noisy, I cannot sleep.) - Indicates circumstantial impossibility.
能 (néng).
吗 (ma) at the very end.
能 (néng) + Verb (+ Object) + 吗 (ma)?
nǐ | You |
néng | can |
bāng | help |
wǒ | me |\
ma | ? |
nǐ 能 néng 帮 bāng 我 wǒ 吗 ma？ (Can you help me?) - A polite request, asking about possibility.
zhèlǐ 能 néng 上网 shàngwǎng 吗 ma？ (Can I get online here? / Is there Wi-Fi here?) - Asking about circumstantial possibility.
能 (néng), but place 不 (bù) in between, creating 能 (néng) 不能 (bù néng).
能 (néng) 不能 (bù néng) + Verb (+ Object)?
nǐ | You |\
néng bù néng | can or cannot |\
lái | come |
nǐ 能 néng 不能 bù néng 来 lái？ (Can you come or not?) - Asking about circumstantial possibility/availability.
tā 能 néng 不能 bù néng 吃 chī 辣 là？ (Can he eat spicy food or not?) - Asking about physical capability.
When To Use It
能 (néng) is versatile and appears frequently across various daily scenarios. Its core meaning consistently revolves around either physical capacity or circumstantial feasibility. Recognizing these contexts will help you apply 能 (néng) correctly.能 (néng) when discussing an individual's or an object's intrinsic physical ability or natural capacity to perform an action. This often refers to sensory functions, strength, speed, or other bodily functions.- Example 1 (Strength): 这
zhè箱子xiāngzi太tài重zhòng了le，我wǒ能néng搬bān动dòng。 (This box is too heavy, but Icanmove it.) - Expresses physical strength. - Example 2 (Sensory): 他
tā戴dài上shàng眼镜yǎnjìng后hòu就jiù能néng看kàn清qīng了le。 (After he put on his glasses, hecouldsee clearly.) - Refers to improved visual ability. - Example 3 (Endurance): 这个
zhège电池diànchí能néng用yòng一天yī tiān。 (This batterycanlast for one day.) - Describes the battery's capacity/endurance.
能 (néng). It refers to situations where external factors – such as time, resources, rules (in a general sense, not permission from authority), or the overall environment – allow or prevent an action. It's about whether an action is practically possible given the current state of affairs.- Example 1 (Time/Availability): 你
nǐ今天jīntiān下午xiàwǔ能néng过来guòlái吗ma？ (Can youcome overthis afternoon?) - Asking if your schedule permits it. - Example 2 (Resource Availability): 飞机
fēijī晚点wǎndiǎn了le，我wǒ不能bù néng赶gǎn上shàng火车huǒchē了le。 (The plane was delayed, Icannotcatch the train.) - External circumstance prevents the action. - Example 3 (Environmental Conditions): 外面
wàimiàn下xià雨yǔ了le，我们wǒmen不能bù néng去qù公园gōngyuán。 (It's raining outside, wecannotgo to the park.) - Weather conditions restrict the activity.
能 (néng) can express the potential to reach a certain level, quantity, or outcome. This often highlights the maximum capacity or achievable result under given conditions.- Example 1 (Capacity): 这个
zhège房间fángjiān最多zuìduō能néng住zhù四个人sì gè rén。 (This roomcanaccommodate a maximum of four people.) - Defines the room's maximum occupancy. - Example 2 (Achievability): 他
tā这么zhème聪明cōngmíng，肯定kěndìng能néng考kǎo上shàng大学dàxué。 (He's so smart, he will definitelybe able toget into university.) - Expresses the high likelihood of achieving a goal.
kěyǐ)可以 (kěyǐ) is the more direct word for permission, 能 (néng) is very commonly used in polite questions to ask if something is feasible or if someone is able to assist. When used in requests, 能 (néng) subtly emphasizes the possibility of the action, whereas 可以 (kěyǐ) leans towards permission or general permissibility.- Example 1 (Request): 能
néng麻烦máfan你nǐ帮bāng我wǒ拿ná一下yīxià吗ma？ (Could youbotherto help me take it?) - Asking if it's possible for them to help. - Example 2 (Seeking Feasibility): 能
néng不能bù néng把bǎ窗户chuānghù打开dǎkāi？ (Can youopenthe window?) - Asking if it's possible for the window to be opened, or if the person is able to open it. - Example 3 (Asking about a situation): 我
wǒ能néng坐zuò这里zhèlǐ吗ma？ (Can Isithere?) - This could be asking about physical possibility (is there space?) or subtle permission (is it allowed?). In many daily contexts, this overlaps with可以 (kěyǐ).
能 (néng) highlights the physical or circumstantial capacity to perform the favour, while 可以 (kěyǐ) highlights whether it is allowed or acceptable.Common Mistakes
能 (néng) from other related modal verbs. These distinctions are crucial for accurate and natural-sounding Chinese.能 (néng) with 会 (huì) (Learned Skills)会 (huì): Used for learned skills, knowledge, or abilities acquired through study, practice, or development. It's about "knowing how to" or "having mastered" something.我wǒ会huì说shuō中文Zhōngwén。 (Ican` speak Chinese.) - Meaning: I know how to speak Chinese because I learned it.能 (néng): Used for physical ability (e.g., strength, sensory function) or circumstantial possibility (e.g., having time, resources, external conditions allowing it). It's about "being physically able to" or "it is possible due to circumstances."- If you say:
我wǒ能néng说shuō中文Zhōngwén。 (Ican` speak Chinese.) - This would imply that you were temporarily unable to speak (e.g., lost your voice) and now you are physically capable again, or that the circumstances allow you to speak Chinese. It doesn't convey that you know how to speak it.
能 (néng) to say you know how to drive.我 wǒ 能 néng** 开车 kāichē`。我 wǒ 会 huì** 开车 kāichē。 (I know how to` drive.)能 (néng) with 可以 (kěyǐ) (Permission/General Possibility)能 (néng) and 可以 (kěyǐ) can sometimes be translated as "can" or "may," leading to confusion. However, their underlying meanings are distinct:可以 (kěyǐ): Primarily expresses permission (e.g., "you are allowed to"), approval, or general possibility/feasibility (something is generally acceptable or within rules/norms). It often involves an external authority or a general rule.你nǐ可以kěyǐ进jìn来lái了le。 (Youmay` come in now.) - Expressing permission.能 (néng): Focuses on physical capability or circumstantial possibility. It's about whether someone or something has the capacity or the conditions allow it.我wǒ太tài累lèi了le，不能bù néng走了zǒule。 (I'm too tired, Ican't` walk anymore.) - Physical inability.
我 wǒ 能 néng 坐 zuò 这里 zhèlǐ 吗 ma？ vs. 我 wǒ 可以 kěyǐ 坐 zuò 这里 zhèlǐ 吗 ma？- The
能 (néng)version asks more about the physical availability (is there space, is it physically possible?). - The
可以 (kěyǐ)version asks more about permission (is it allowed by the rules or by someone else?).
不 (bù)能 (néng), 不 (bù) always precedes 能 (néng). You say 不能 (bù néng), never 能 (néng) 不 (bù) when simply stating inability or impossibility.我 wǒ 能 néng 不 bù 去 qù`。我 wǒ 不能 bù néng** 去 qù。 (I cannot` go.)
不能 (bù néng) (cannot) with the A-not-A question form 能 (néng) 不能 (bù néng) (can or cannot?). If you say 我 wǒ 能 néng 不 bù 来 lái？ this would be interpreted as a rhetorical question meaning "Can I not come?" (i.e., "Is it possible for me not to come?" implying a choice or permission to skip something), which is a very different meaning from 我 wǒ 不能 bù néng 来 lái。 (I cannot come, I am unable to).能 (néng) itself does not change for tense. Avoid adding particles like 了 (le) directly after 能 (néng) to try and force a past tense.我 wǒ 昨天 zuótiān 能 néng 了 le 去 qù 游泳 yóuyǒng`。我 wǒ 昨天 zuótiān 能 néng* 去 qù 游泳 yóuyǒng。 (Yesterday, I was able to go swimming.) - The time word 昨天 (zuótiān)` indicates the past.*
能 (néng) for "Might"能 (néng) expresses a definite capability or possibility. It does not convey uncertainty or probability.- Mistake:
我wǒ明天míngtiān能néng去qù`。 (If you mean 'I might go tomorrow') - Correct:
我wǒ明天míngtiān可能kě néng去qù。 (Imight` go tomorrow.) 可能 (kě néng)(literally "can" + "ability/possibility") is a separate word meaning "possibly" or "maybe."
能 (néng) and related modal verbs.Real Conversations
To truly grasp 能 (néng), observe how native speakers use it in authentic contexts. It's pervasive in planning, daily interactions, and casual communication.
Scenario 1
A
nǐ 周末 zhōumò 能 néng 出来 chūlái 吗 ma？ Wǒmen 想 xiǎng 去 qù 看 kàn 电影 diànyǐng。(Are you able to come out this weekend? We want to go see a movie.)
B
en，我 wǒ 查 chá 一下 yīxià 日程 rìchéng。 如果 rúguǒ 没 méi 有 yǒu 事 shì 的 de 话 huà，应该 yīnggāi 能 néng 去 qù。(Hmm, I'll check my schedule. If there's nothing on, I should be able to go.)
- Insight: Here, 能 (néng) refers to B's availability and whether their schedule permits them to go. It's not about their physical ability to watch a movie, but the external factor of their free time.
Scenario 2
Customer
fúwùyuán，这个 zhège 菜 cài 能 néng 做 zuò 不 bù 辣 là 的 de 吗 ma？(Waiter, can this dish be made non-spicy?)
Waiter
duìbùqǐ，这个 zhège 是 shì 已经 yǐjīng 做好 zuòhǎo 的 de，不能 bù néng 改 gǎi 了 le。(Sorry, this one is already prepared, it cannot be changed.)
- Insight: The customer asks if it's possible for the kitchen to alter the dish. The waiter uses 不能 (bù néng) to indicate that due to the dish being pre-prepared (a circumstance), altering it is not feasible.
Scenario 3
A
nǐ 昨天 zuótiān 跑 pǎo 了 le 十 shí 公里 gōnglǐ，今天 jīntiān 能 néng 走路 zǒulù 吗 ma？(You ran ten kilometers yesterday, can you walk today?)
B
hāhā，能 néng 走 zǒu，但是 dànshì 有点 yǒudiǎn 疼 téng。(Haha, I can walk, but it's a bit sore.)
- Insight: A asks about B's current physical state – if their legs are able to function for walking. B confirms physical capability despite some discomfort.
Scenario 4
A
wǒ 手机 shǒujī 没 méi 电 diàn 了 le，你 nǐ 能 néng 借 jiè 我 wǒ 充电宝 chōngdiànbǎo 吗 ma？(My phone is out of battery, can you lend me your power bank?)
B
dāngrán 能 néng 啊 a，给 gěi 你 nǐ。(Of course I can, here you go.)
- Insight: A is asking if B possesses the resource (power bank) and if B is able to lend it (circumstantial possibility). B confirms both.
These examples demonstrate the contextual flexibility of 能 (néng) while consistently adhering to its core meanings of physical ability and circumstantial possibility.
Quick FAQ
能 (néng).能 (néng) 不能 (bù néng) question?For yes/no questions using the A-not-A pattern like 你 nǐ 能 néng 不能 bù néng 来 lái？ (Can you come or not?), the simplest and most natural responses are to just repeat the relevant part of the modal:
- For yes:
能 (néng)。 (I can / Yes, it's possible.) - For no:
不能 (bù néng)。 (I cannot / No, it's not possible.)
吗 (ma), such as 你 nǐ 能 néng 帮 bāng 我 wǒ 吗 ma？, you can also use 能 (néng) or 不能 (bù néng) as short answers.能 (néng) to ask for permission, or should I always use 可以 (kěyǐ)?While 可以 (kěyǐ) is the direct and unambiguous choice for asking for permission ("may I?"), 能 (néng) is frequently used in informal contexts for polite requests or to inquire about feasibility, which can overlap with permission. For instance, 我 wǒ 能 néng 坐 zuò 这里 zhèlǐ 吗 ma？ (Can I sit here?) is perfectly natural. It asks if it's possible for you to sit there, which implies whether there's space and if it's allowed.
可以 (kěyǐ)emphasizes whether an action is allowed by rules, authority, or general norms.能 (néng)emphasizes whether an action is physically or circumstantially possible.
可以 (kěyǐ) is generally safer when seeking explicit permission, especially in formal settings.不 (bù) change in 不能 (bù néng)?No, in 不能 (bù néng), the tone of 不 (bù) remains its original fourth tone. The tone change rule for 不 (bù) (from fourth tone to second tone) only applies when 不 (bù) is followed by another fourth tone character. Since 能 (néng) is a second tone character (néng), 不 (bù) keeps its fourth tone. So, 不能 (bù néng) is pronounced bù néng (fourth tone + second tone).
能 (néng) to say "I might"?能 (néng) expresses a clear, definite capability or possibility based on current conditions. It conveys that an action can or is able to happen. It does not carry the nuance of uncertainty or probability that "might" does in English. For expressions of uncertainty or possibility that are less than definite, you should use 可能 (kě néng).
我wǒ明天míngtiān能néng来lái`。 (I can come tomorrow. - I am available, it is possible for me to come.)我wǒ明天míngtiān可能kě néng来lái`。 (I might come tomorrow. - It is possible that I will come, but not certain.)
能 (néng)?Yes, 能 (néng) has a long history in the Chinese language, and its core meaning has been consistent across different periods. In classical Chinese, 能 (néng) was already used to signify capability, skill, and talent. For example, in Mencius, there's a saying: "人 rén 皆 jiē 有 yǒu 不 bù 忍 rěn 人 rén 之 zhī 心 xīn" (Everyone has a heart that cannot bear to see others suffer), where 不 bù 忍 rěn 人 rén 之 zhī 心 xīn` literally means "a heart that is unable to endure others' suffering." This connection to an inherent capacity or a circumstantial inability to tolerate something reinforces its modern usage. It’s a testament to the stability of Chinese modal verbs that such a fundamental concept has retained its meaning over millennia.
能 (néng) allows you to express crucial aspects of reality in Chinese: what is physically achievable, and what is permitted by the surrounding circumstances. Consistent practice and attention to the distinctions from 会 (huì) and 可以 (kěyǐ) will solidify your understanding and make your Chinese significantly more precise.Formation of {能|néng}
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Subj + 能 + Verb
|
{我|wǒ}{能|néng}{去|qù}
|
|
Negative
|
Subj + 不能 + Verb
|
{我|wǒ}{不能|bùnéng}{去|qù}
|
|
Question
|
Subj + 能 + Verb + 吗
|
{你|nǐ}{能|néng}{去|qù}{吗|ma}?
|
|
A-not-A
|
Subj + 能不能 + Verb
|
{你|nǐ}{能不能|néngbùnéng}{去|qù}?
|
|
Past (Context)
|
Subj + 能 + Verb + 了
|
{他|tā}{能|néng}{走|zǒu}{了|le}
|
|
Future (Context)
|
Subj + 明天 + 能 + Verb
|
{我|wǒ}{明天|míngtiān}{能|néng}{去|qù}
|
Meanings
The modal verb {能|néng} indicates that a subject has the capability, permission, or external conditions to perform an action.
Physical Ability
Having the skill or physical strength to do something.
“{他|tā}{能|néng}{游|yóu}{很|hěn}{远|yuǎn} (He can swim very far).”
“{我|wǒ}{能|néng}{跑|pǎo}{很|hěn}{快|kuài} (I can run very fast).”
Permission
Being allowed to do something.
“{这儿|zhèr}{能|néng}{抽烟|chōuyān}{吗|ma}? (Can one smoke here?)”
“{你|nǐ}{不能|bùnéng}{进|jìn}{这|zhè}{个|gè}{房间|fángjiān} (You cannot enter this room).”
Possibility
The situation allows for something to happen.
“{今天|jīntiān}{能|néng}{下雨|xiàyǔ} (It might rain today).”
“{这|zhè}{个|gè}{问题|wèntí}{能|néng}{解决|jiějué} (This problem can be solved).”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Subj + 能 + Verb
|
{我|wǒ}{能|néng}{看|kàn}{书|shū}
|
|
Negative
|
Subj + 不能 + Verb
|
{我|wǒ}{不能|bùnéng}{看|kàn}{书|shū}
|
|
Yes/No Question
|
Subj + 能 + Verb + 吗
|
{你|nǐ}{能|néng}{看|kàn}{书|shū}{吗|ma}?
|
|
A-not-A Question
|
Subj + 能不能 + Verb
|
{你|nǐ}{能不能|néngbùnéng}{看|kàn}{书|shū}?
|
|
Past Ability
|
Subj + 以前 + 能 + Verb
|
{我|wǒ}{以前|yǐqián}{能|néng}{跑|pǎo}{很|hěn}{快|kuài}
|
|
Future Ability
|
Subj + 以后 + 能 + Verb
|
{我|wǒ}{以后|yǐhòu}{能|néng}{说|shuō}{中文|zhōngwén}
|
|
Permission
|
Subj + 能 + Verb
|
{这儿|zhèr}{能|néng}{坐|zuò}{人|rén}{吗|ma}?
|
|
Possibility
|
Subj + 能 + Verb
|
{这|zhè}{个|gè}{能|néng}{吃|chī}{吗|ma}?
|
Formality Spectrum
我能够前往吗？ (Asking for permission to leave.)
我能去吗？ (Asking for permission to leave.)
能去吗？ (Asking for permission to leave.)
能走不？ (Asking for permission to leave.)
The Three Faces of {能|néng}
Physical
- 游泳 swim
- 跑步 run
Permission
- 坐 sit
- 拍照 take photos
Possibility
- 下雨 rain
- 解决 solve
能 vs 会 vs 可以
Choosing the Right Modal
Is it a learned skill?
Is it about physical/situational ability?
Examples by Level
{我|wǒ}{能|néng}{吃|chī}{苹果|píngguǒ}
I can eat apples.
{他|tā}{能|néng}{去|qù}{学校|xuéxiào}
He can go to school.
{你|nǐ}{能|néng}{喝|hē}{水|shuǐ}{吗|ma}?
Can you drink water?
{我|wǒ}{不能|bùnéng}{去|qù}
I cannot go.
{你|nǐ}{能|néng}{帮|bāng}{我|wǒ}{一|yī}{下|xià}{吗|ma}?
Can you help me for a second?
{这儿|zhèr}{能|néng}{停车|tíngchē}{吗|ma}?
Can one park here?
{我|wǒ}{能|néng}{明天|míngtiān}{再|zài}{来|lái}{吗|ma}?
Can I come again tomorrow?
{他|tā}{能|néng}{跑|pǎo}{很|hěn}{快|kuài}
He can run very fast.
{这|zhè}{个|gè}{问题|wèntí}{能|néng}{解决|jiějué}
This problem can be solved.
{我们|wǒmen}{能|néng}{在|zài}{这儿|zhèr}{找到|zhǎodào}{饭店|fàndiàn}{吗|ma}?
Can we find a restaurant here?
{他|tā}{能|néng}{不|bù}{来|lái}{吗|ma}?
Can he not come?
{这|zhè}{种|zhǒng}{情况|qíngkuàng}{能|néng}{避免|bìmiǎn}
This situation can be avoided.
{你|nǐ}{怎么|zěnme}{能|néng}{说|shuō}{这种|zhèzhǒng}{话|huà}?
How could you say such things?
{他|tā}{能够|nénggòu}{完成|wánchéng}{这|zhè}{项|xiàng}{任务|rènwù}
He is able to complete this task.
{这|zhè}{不|bù}{能|néng}{怪|guài}{你|nǐ}
This cannot be blamed on you.
{只要|zhǐyào}{努力|nǔlì}{就|jiù}{能|néng}{成功|chénggōng}
As long as you work hard, you can succeed.
{这|zhè}{是|shì}{我们|wǒmen}{能|néng}{做|zuò}{的|de}{最|zuì}{好|hǎo}{的|de}{事|shì}
This is the best thing we can do.
{他|tā}{的|de}{能力|nénglì}{能|néng}{胜任|shèngrèn}{这|zhè}{个|gè}{职位|zhíwèi}
His ability is sufficient for this position.
{这|zhè}{种|zhǒng}{可能性|kěnéngxìng}{能|néng}{被|bèi}{排除|páichú}{吗|ma}?
Can this possibility be ruled out?
{无论|wúlùn}{怎么|zěnme}{说|shuō}{都|dōu}{不能|bùnéng}{改变|gǎibiàn}{事实|shìshí}
No matter how you say it, the facts cannot be changed.
{这|zhè}{种|zhǒng}{美|měi}{能|néng}{被|bèi}{语言|yǔyán}{描述|miáoshù}{吗|ma}?
Can this kind of beauty be described by language?
{他|tā}{的|de}{才华|cáihuá}{能|néng}{在|zài}{这|zhè}{个|gè}{舞台|wútái}{上|shàng}{得到|dédào}{展现|zhǎnxiàn}
His talent can be displayed on this stage.
{这|zhè}{不仅|bùjǐn}{能|néng}{带来|dàilái}{利益|lìyì}{，|，}{还|hái}{能|néng}{促进|cùjìn}{发展|fāzhǎn}
This not only can bring benefits, but also can promote development.
{谁|shéi}{能|néng}{预料|yùliào}{到|dào}{未来|wèilái}{呢|ne}?
Who can predict the future?
Easily Confused
Learners use 能 for everything, but 会 is for skills.
Both mean 'can', but they have different nuances.
They mean the same thing, but usage differs.
Common Mistakes
我吃能
我能吃
我能会说中文
我会说中文
能我去吗
我能去吗
我能去
我能去
我能游泳 (when meaning 'I know how to swim')
我会游泳
这儿能坐吗
这儿可以坐吗
我不能去
我不能去
他能说得好
他能说得很好
能我做这个吗
我能做这个吗
这能被做
这能做
他能完成任务吗？他不能。
他能完成任务吗？他完成不了。
这能是可能的
这有可能
我能会做
我会做
Sentence Patterns
我___做这个。
你___帮我吗？
只要___，就___。
这___被___。
Real World Usage
你能来吗？
这个能不放辣吗？
我能胜任这项工作。
这里能拍照吗？
谁能帮我转发？
能快点送吗？
Consistency
Don't double up
A-not-A
Politeness
Smart Tips
Use {会|huì} instead of {能|néng}.
Use {可以|kěyǐ} to sound more polite.
Use the A-not-A structure for natural questions.
Place the time word before the modal.
Pronunciation
Tone
The second tone (néng) starts mid-pitch and rises to high.
Initial
The 'n' is a nasal sound, similar to English 'no'.
Question intonation
你{能|néng}去{吗|ma}↗?
Rising pitch at the end indicates a question.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of {能|néng} as a 'N-E-N-G' engine. It powers your sentences to go, do, and be!
Visual Association
Imagine a person with a battery pack on their back labeled '能'. When they plug it in, they can suddenly run, jump, and solve problems.
Rhyme
Before the verb, put the {能|néng}, it shows you're able, it's the thing!
Story
Xiao Wang wanted to climb a mountain. He asked, 'Can I climb?' ({我|wǒ}{能|néng}{爬|pá}{山|shān}{吗|ma}?). His friend said, 'Yes, you can' ({你|nǐ}{能|néng}{爬|pá}). But he couldn't do it alone, so he said, 'I cannot do it alone' ({我|wǒ}{不能|bùnéng}{一|yī}{个|gè}{人|rén}{爬|pá}).
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences using {能|néng} about things you can do today.
Cultural Notes
People often use {能|néng} to express modesty or feasibility in work environments.
The usage is very similar, but {可以|kěyǐ} is slightly more frequent for permission.
In Hong Kong, the structure is often influenced by Cantonese grammar, but {能|néng} remains standard in written Chinese.
The character {能|néng} originally depicted a bear, symbolizing strength and capability.
Conversation Starters
你今天能去公园吗？
你能帮我翻译这个词吗？
你觉得这个计划能成功吗？
在什么情况下，我们能改变规则？
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
我___说中文。
A: 我能去吗 B: 能我去吗 C: 我去能吗 D: 我能去吗
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
Can you help me?
Answer starts with: a...
A: 你能来吗？ B: ___。
明天 / 能 / 去 / 我们
Which is for learned skills?
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises我___说中文。
A: 我能去吗 B: 能我去吗 C: 我去能吗 D: 我能去吗
Find and fix the mistake:
我吃能。
吗 / 你 / 去 / 能 / ？
Can you help me?
A: 你能来吗？ B: ___。
明天 / 能 / 去 / 我们
Which is for learned skills?
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesCan you help me?
Match the verbs with their function:
Reorder the sentence:
___ 便宜一点吗？ (___ piányi yì diǎn ma? - Can it be a bit cheaper?)
You want to say 'I can't'. What is the best reply?
他能不能不来？(Can he not come?) -> It is meant to say 'Can he come?'
How do you say 'I can drink 10 cups of coffee'?
我们___坐这里？ (Can we sit here?)
Order the request:
I can't sing today.
我能不去 (I cannot go - meaning I am busy)
我的手机坏了，___ 上网。 (My phone is broken, I ___ go online.)
Score: /12
FAQ (8)
No, {能|néng} does not change. You add time words like {昨天|zuótiān} (yesterday) to indicate past.
Yes, just add a future time word like {明天|míngtiān} (tomorrow).
It is neutral and used in all contexts.
{能|néng} is for physical ability/permission; {会|huì} is for learned skills.
No, never use two modals together.
Add {吗|ma} at the end or use {能不能|néngbùnéng}.
Yes, it is very common in both speech and writing.
Yes, it can express possibility.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
poder
Poder conjugates for person; 能 does not.
pouvoir
French requires inversion for questions; Chinese uses particles.
können
German modals conjugate; Chinese modals are invariant.
dekiru
Japanese uses particles like 'ga' to mark the object.
yastati'u
Arabic verbs are highly inflected for gender and number.
能
No difference, it is the target.
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...
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...
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...
