能 · 不能
can: able to here and now, or allowed to
Structure
主语 + 能／不能 + 动词
What it means
能 says you are able to do something in this situation, or that it is allowed: 这里不能吃东西 (you can’t eat in here).
How it is built
Subject + 能／不能 + verb: 今天我不能去 (I can’t go today). Ask for permission with 我能……吗？ and answer 能 or 不能.
When to use it
A learned skill takes 会: 我会开车 (I know how to drive), but 今天我不能开车 (I can’t drive today). 能 is about the situation, not the skill.
Watch out
✗ 我会用你的手机吗？ ✓ 我能用一下儿你的手机吗？ Never use 会 to ask for permission.
Examples
今天我很忙，不能去。
I’m very busy today, so I can’t go.
我能用一下儿你的手机吗？
Could I use your phone for a moment?
这里不能吃东西。
You can’t eat in here.
Learn this in HSK 1 · Lesson 14: 我会说汉语 (What I can do)
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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