The English word “can” is simple, versatile, and used in countless conversations. But when translating can into Mandarin Chinese, things get a little more complex. That’s because Mandarin doesn’t have a single direct equivalent. Instead, it uses different words depending on what you’re trying to say—whether it’s about ability, learned skill, or permission.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to say “can” in Chinese the right way, with in-depth explanations, usage rules, common questions, and real-world examples. We’ll focus on three essential Mandarin verbs:
- 能 (néng) – to express ability or possibility
- 会 (huì) – to express learned skills
- 可以 (kěyǐ) – to ask for or give permission
What Does “Can” Mean in Chinese?
In English, can can mean:
- You’re able to do something (e.g., I can run fast.)
- You’ve learned to do something (e.g., I can play the guitar.)
- You’re allowed to do something (e.g., Can I leave early?)
In Mandarin, there’s no single word that covers all three meanings. That’s why learners must understand the context and pick the right verb. This article focuses on how to use “can in Mandarin” appropriately depending on the situation.
3 Ways to Say “Can” in Chinese
Here’s a quick overview of the three verbs you need:
| Mandarin Word | Pinyin | Meaning | Usage Type | Example Sentence | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 能 | néng | Ability or possibility | Physical or circumstantial ability | 我能跑得很快。 Wǒ néng pǎo de hěn kuài. | I can run very fast. |
| 会 | huì | Learned skill | Skills acquired through learning | 我会说中文。 Wǒ huì shuō Zhōngwén. | I can speak Chinese. |
| 可以 | kěyǐ | Permission or possibility | Asking/giving permission or allowance | 我可以进去吗？ Wǒ kěyǐ jìnqù ma? | Can I go in? |
Let’s go deeper into how each one works.
How to Use 能 (néng) – Expressing Ability
Use 能 when talking about physical or circumstantial ability. It’s not about whether you know how to do something, but whether you can at the moment due to physical or environmental conditions.
Sentence Structure:
[Subject] + 能 + [Verb] + [Object]
Example: 我能跑得很快。
Wǒ néng pǎo de hěn kuài.
I can run very fast.
When to Use 能 (néng)
- To express physical ability
他能举起这个箱子。
Tā néng jǔ qǐ zhège xiāngzi.
He can lift this box. - To describe possibility in a given situation
明天你能来吗？
Míngtiān nǐ néng lái ma?
Can you come tomorrow?
Common Questions Using 能(néng)
Example:
你能帮我吗？
Nǐ néng bāng wǒ ma?
Can you help me?
This form is often used in polite or neutral requests involving ability rather than permission.
Negative Form of 能(néng)
The negative form of 能 is 不能 (bù néng) – meaning “cannot” or “not able to.”
Examples:
- 我不能喝酒。
Wǒ bù néng hējiǔ.
I can’t drink alcohol. - 他不能开车。
Tā bù néng kāichē.
He can’t drive. - 我今天不能参加。
Wǒ jīntiān bù néng cānjiā.
I can’t attend today.
How to Use 会 (huì) – Expressing Learned Skills
会 is used when someone has acquired a skill through learning. Think of it as the equivalent of “knowing how to do something.”
Sentence Structure:
[Subject] + 会 + [Verb] + [Object]
Example: 我会说中文。
Wǒ huì shuō Zhōngwén.
I can speak Chinese.
When to Use 会 (huì)
- Talking about languages
我会说西班牙语。
Wǒ huì shuō Xībānyáyǔ.
I can speak Spanish. - Describing learned abilities
我会弹钢琴。
Wǒ huì tán gāngqín.
I can play the piano.
Common Questions Using 会(huì)
Example:
你会跳舞吗？
Nǐ huì tiàowǔ ma?
Can you dance?
This is useful when you’re asking if someone knows how to do something.
Negative Form of 会(huì)
The negative form is 不会 (bú huì) – meaning “don’t know how to.”
Example:
我不会游泳。
Wǒ bú huì yóuyǒng.
I can’t swim.
How to Use 可以 (kěyǐ) – Expressing Permission or Possibility
Use 可以 when you’re asking for or granting permission. It can also express possibility, but unlike 能, it’s focused more on social permission.
Sentence Structure:
[Subject] + 可以 + [Verb] + [Object]
Example:
我可以进来吗？
Wǒ kěyǐ jìnlái ma?
Can I come in?
When to Use 可以 (kěyǐ)
- Asking for permission
我可以用你的手机吗？
Wǒ kěyǐ yòng nǐ de shǒujī ma?
Can I use your phone? - Giving permission
你可以走了。
Nǐ kěyǐ zǒu le.
You may leave.
Common Questions Using 可以 (kěyǐ)
Example:
我可以进去吗？
Wǒ kěyǐ jìnqù ma?
Can I go in?
Negative Form of 可以 (kěyǐ)
不可以 (bù kěyǐ) means “not allowed” or “cannot.”
Example:
这里不可以吸烟。
Zhèlǐ bù kěyǐ xīyān.
Smoking is not allowed here.
Common Mistakes When Using “Can” in Chinese
- Using 会 Instead of 能 for Physical Ability
Incorrect: 我会游得很快。
Correct: 我能游得很快。
(I can swim fast.) - Using 能 Instead of 可以 for Permission
Incorrect: 我能进去吗？
Correct: 我可以进去吗？
(Can I go in?)
Practical Examples & Conversations Using “Can” in Chinese
Asking for Permission in a Restaurant
顾客：我可以看菜单吗？
服务员：当然可以。
Customer: Can I see the menu?
Waiter: Of course you can.
Talking About Skills in an Interview
面试官：你会用Photoshop吗？
申请人：会的，我用了五年了。
Interviewer: Can you use Photoshop?
Applicant: Yes, I’ve used it for five years.
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Regional & Dialectal Differences of “Can” in Chinese
While this guide focuses on Mandarin, it’s helpful to know how other dialects handle “can.”
- Mandarin:
我可以进去吗？ (Can I go in?) - Cantonese:
我可唔可以入去？ (ngo hó m̀ hó yíh yahp heui?) - Hokkien:
我會入去無？ (gua ē ji̍p khì bô?)
Mandarin is the most widely taught, but learning regional variants can help you communicate more effectively across Chinese-speaking communities.
👉 Curious about dialects? Read our guide on What Time in Chinese for more practical expressions.
Conclusion
Understanding how to say “can” in Mandarin is more than just memorising vocabulary—it’s about using the right word in the right context. Whether it’s 能 for physical ability, 会 for learned skills, or 可以 for permission, mastering these distinctions will make your Chinese far more natural and accurate.
Practice these structures daily. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, try out new phrases, and most importantly, speak often.
👉 Explore all our Chinese language courses to take your skills to the next level. Whether you’re just starting out or preparing for HSK exams, Linda Mandarin has a class for you.