Meaning
Asking for permission or if something is acceptable.
Cultural Background
It is very common to use this to show modesty and respect for others' space. The usage is identical, but the tone is often softer and more melodic. While Mandarin is used, Cantonese speakers often use '得唔得呀?' (Dak m-dak aa?) which serves the same function. In a multilingual environment, '可以吗' is often used alongside English 'Can or not?'
Tone matters
Use a rising intonation at the end to sound more polite and inquisitive.
Don't over-use
In very formal settings, try '请问...方便吗？' to show extra respect.
Meaning
Asking for permission or if something is acceptable.
Tone matters
Use a rising intonation at the end to sound more polite and inquisitive.
Don't over-use
In very formal settings, try '请问...方便吗？' to show extra respect.
The 'A-not-A' trick
If you want to be very clear, use '可以不可以？' to ask 'Is it okay or not?'
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence to ask for permission.
我______用你的手机吗？
{可以|kěyǐ} is the correct modal for asking permission.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct order:
The subject comes first, and the question particle {吗|ma} comes last.
Match the situation to the correct response.
Situation: You want to enter a room.
Entering a room requires asking to 'come in' ({进来|jìnlái}).
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercises我______用你的手机吗？
{可以|kěyǐ} is the correct modal for asking permission.
Choose the correct order:
The subject comes first, and the question particle {吗|ma} comes last.
Situation: You want to enter a room.
Entering a room requires asking to 'come in' ({进来|jìnlái}).
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is very versatile, but remember it is for permission, not ability.
No, it is perfectly fine, but adding '请问' makes it more professional.
'行' is just a shorter, more casual way of saying 'okay'.
'可以吗' is about permission; '好吗' is about agreement.
Say '可以' (Yes) or '不可以' (No).
Yes, it is very common in WeChat and other messaging apps.
Yes, {可以|kěyǐ} must come after the subject.
No, use {会|huì} or {能|néng}.
It is neutral. It works in almost any situation.
Use '请问，我方便...吗？'
Related Phrases
行吗
synonymIs it okay?
好吗
similarIs it good?
可以不可以
builds onCan or cannot?
没问题
contrastNo problem.
