会 · 能 · 可以
会 can (a learned skill) · 能 can (able; nothing stops you) · 可以 may (allowed)
Structure
主语 + 会／能／可以 + 动词
What it means
Three ways to say “can”: 会 is a learned skill, 能 means you are able (nothing stops you), 可以 means you may (it is allowed).
How it is built
Subject + 会／能／可以 + verb: 我会游泳，可是今天身体不舒服，不能去 (I can swim, but I’m not well today, so I can’t go).
When to use it
会: 会说中文. 能: body, time or situation allows it, or how much you manage (能吃二十个). 可以 gives or asks permission: 我可以参加吗？ 能 can ask too. 能够 is a formal 能.
Watch out
会 never asks permission. ✗ 我会进来吗？ ✓ 我能进来吗？ or 我可以进来吗？ “Not allowed” is 不可以 or 不能.
Examples
我会游泳，可是今天身体不舒服，不能去。
I can swim, but I’m not feeling well today, so I can’t go.
他会开车，可是喝酒了，不能开。
He can drive, but he’s been drinking, so he can’t.
体育馆里不可以吃东西。
You’re not allowed to eat in the sports hall.
她能吃二十个饺子！
She can eat twenty dumplings!
Learn this in HSK 2 · Lesson 10: 你打得真好 (Sport)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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