Modal verbs 会 (huì), 能 (néng), and 可以 (kěyǐ)

Pattern

• Subject + 会/能/可以 + Verb + (Object)

Usage

• These three modal verbs all precede the main verb, but express different kinds of “can”:
• 1.
• 会 (huì) - “know how to (a learned skill)”: used for skills acquired through learning or practice.
• Examples: 我会说汉语 (I can speak Chinese), 他会开车 (He knows how to drive).
• 2.
• 能 (néng) - 'be able to (capability or circumstances allow)

Examples

1. 1

   我会说一点儿汉语。

   Wǒ huì shuō yìdiǎnr Hànyǔ.

   I can speak a little Chinese.

2. 2

   你能帮我吗?

   Nǐ néng bāng wǒ ma?

   Can you help me?

3. 3

   我可以进来吗?

   Wǒ kěyǐ jìnlái ma?

   May I come in?

4. 4

   他不会开车。