HSK 2 · VERSION 2.0#40
Expressing Permission with “kěyǐ”
可以
How it works
可以 means “may,” “can,” or “be allowed to.”
The pattern
Subject + 可以 + Verb
Example sentences
你可以进来。
You may come in.
这里可以拍照吗？
May I take photos here?
你不舒服，今天可以早点回家。
You do not feel well, so you may go home earlier today.
Usage note
可以 often expresses permission, but it can also express possibility in some contexts.