Chinese verb · modal · first needed at beginner level (A1)
能
néng
can, to be able to
“Can” when health, time or circumstances allow ( (wǒ jīntiān bù néng lái)), and in polite requests ( (Nǐ néng bāng wǒ ma?)). For learned skills use (huì); (bù néng) is also the usual “mustn't”.
Speed:
Basic
基本
Able to do something, because of your health, time or circumstances.
| affirmative | 我能吃辣的。Wǒ néng chī là de. | |
|---|---|---|
| negative | 我不能吃辣的。Wǒ bù néng chī là de. | |
| question | 你能吃辣的吗？Nǐ néng chī là de ma? |
Completed
了
能…了: something is possible now that wasn't before.
| affirmative | 他能走路了。Tā néng zǒulù le. | |
|---|---|---|
| negative | 他还不能走路。Tā hái bù néng zǒulù. | |
| question | 他能走路了吗？Tā néng zǒulù le ma? |
Ability and permission
能 / 可以 / 会
Permission and requests; also means “mustn't”. Verb + (bu liǎo): can't manage it.
| affirmative | 这儿能停车。Zhèr néng tíngchē. | |
|---|---|---|
| negative | 这儿不能停车。Zhèr bù néng tíngchē. | |
| question | 你能帮我一下吗？Nǐ néng bāng wǒ yíxià ma? | |
| can't | 我一个人吃不了这么多。Wǒ yí ge rén chī bu liǎo zhème duō. |
Examples
- 你能说慢一点儿吗？Nǐ néng shuō màn yìdiǎnr ma?Could you speak a bit more slowly?
- 对不起，我明天不能来。Duìbuqǐ, wǒ míngtiān bù néng lái.Sorry, I can't come tomorrow.
- 这儿不能抽烟。Zhèr bù néng chōuyān.You can't smoke here.