HSK 2 · VERSION 2.0#73

Comparing “huì”, “néng”, and “kěyǐ”

会 / 能 / 可以

huì / néng / kěyǐ

How it works

These three words can all be translated as “can,” but they have different meanings.

会 = know how to, learned ability 能 = be able to, having the ability or condition 可以 = may, be allowed to, permission

我会说汉语。

Wǒ huì shuō Hànyǔ.

I can speak Chinese. (learned ability)

今天我很忙，晚上不能去。

Jīntiān wǒ hěn máng, wǎnshang bù néng qù.

I am busy today, so I cannot go tonight. (condition)

你可以进来。

Nǐ kěyǐ jìnlái.

You may come in. (permission)

他会开车，但是今天不能开。

Tā huì kāichē, dànshì jīntiān bù néng kāi.

He can drive, but today he cannot drive.

This is a very important contrast for HSK2 learners.