Three ways to express the modal verb 'can'
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能 means 'to be able to', 'to manage to' 我希望其他的人都能去。 I hope everyone else will be able to come. 希望大家都能多多帮助我们的新同事。 I hope everyone will be able to give our new colleagues help. |
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会 indicates an acquired ability, knowing how to do something Lilly会说中文。 Lilly can speak Chinese. (Because she's learnt it.) 我不太会唱 。 I am not very good at singing (lit. I cannot sing). (To be able to sing well is an acquired ability.) Please note that 会 is also used to express a definite prediction 你们都会有自己的座位。 You will both have your own desk (lit. seat). 我会给你们安排邮件账号。 I will arrange for you to have your own email account. 你们很快就会熟悉的。 You will soon become familiar with all this. |
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可以 indicates 'permission', 'agreement' or 'suggestion' 你们随时可以使用。 You can use it at anytime. (permission) 你们也可以问同事。 You can also ask your colleagues. (suggestion) 你们叫我小陈就可以了。 You can just call me Xiao Chen. (agreement/permission) |
The correct use of 会, 能, 可以
Decide which of the options given is the correct translation of 'can' and select it to complete the following sentences. Check your answers.
1. 他一天 记住20个汉字。
He can remember 20 characters a day.
2. 你 泡杯茶，休息一下。
You can make a cup of tea and have a rest.
3. 我 用左手写字。
I can write with my left hand.
4. 我不 说法语。
I cannot speak French.
5. 他病了，所以今天不 来上班。
He's sick, therefore cannot come to work today.
6. 这里不 吸烟。
You cannot smoke here.
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