Here’s a detailed explanation of the common Chinese grammar patterns for 可以 (kěyǐ) and 能 (néng), along with examples:

1. 可以 (kěyǐ) + Verb:

Structure: This pattern is used to express permission or ability to do something. 可以 (kěyǐ) is followed by a verb to indicate that one has the permission or ability to perform the action.

• Example: 我可以进来吗？(wǒ kěyǐ jìnlái ma?) – “Can I come in?”
  • In this pattern, 可以 (kěyǐ) indicates that the action mentioned in the verb is permissible or allowed. It implies that the speaker has the freedom or authorization to do the action.

2. 能 (néng) + Verb:

Structure: This pattern is used to express ability or capability to do something. 能 (néng) is followed by a verb to indicate that one has the physical or mental capacity to perform the action.

• Example: 我能帮你吗？(wǒ néng bāng nǐ ma?) – “Can I help you?”
  • Here, 能 (néng) indicates that the subject has the ability or capacity to carry out the action specified by the verb. It suggests that the speaker is capable of doing the mentioned action.

Both 可以 (kěyǐ) and 能 (néng) are used to express permission or ability, but they differ in usage:

• 可以 (kěyǐ) primarily focuses on permission or allowance granted by others.
  • Example: 我可以用你的手机吗？(wǒ kěyǐ yòng nǐ de shǒujī ma?) – “Can I use your phone?”
• 能 (néng) emphasizes the inherent ability or capability of the subject.
  • Example: 我能解决这个问题。(wǒ néng jiějué zhège wèntí.) – “I can solve this problem.”

These grammar patterns with 可以 and 能 allow you to express permission or ability in Chinese. Understanding their specific usage will help you convey your intentions or inquire about possibilities accurately in various contexts.

Dialogue

Person A: 你可以帮我一下吗？我需要搬这个箱子。

(Can you help me? I need to move this box.)

(Nǐ kěyǐ bāng wǒ yīxià ma? Wǒ xūyào bān zhège xiāngzi.)

Person B: 当然可以！我可以帮你搬到哪里？

(Of course! Where do you want me to move it?)

(Dāngrán kěyǐ! Wǒ kěyǐ bāng nǐ bān dào nǎlǐ?)

Person A: 谢谢！请把它放在客厅里的角落。

(Thank you! Please put it in the corner of the living room.)

(Xièxiè! Qǐng bǎ tā fàng zài kètīng lǐ de jiǎoluò.)

Person B: 没问题，我能搬得动。

(No problem, I can move it.)

(Méi wèntí, wǒ néng bān dé dòng.)

Person A: 你真是个好帮手，我很感激你的帮助。

(You’re such a great helper. I really appreciate your assistance.)

(Nǐ zhēnshi gè hǎo bāngshǒu, wǒ hěn gǎnjī nǐ de bāngzhù.)

Person B: 不用客气，我能帮忙就很高兴。

(You’re welcome. I’m happy to help.)

(Bùyòng kèqì, wǒ néng bāngmáng jiù hěn gāoxìng.)

In this dialogue, both “可以” (kěyǐ) and “能” (néng) are used to express the ability or permission to do something. Person A asks Person B if they can help move a box, and Person B responds affirmatively, saying they can help. Person A provides instructions on where to place the box, and Person B assures that they are capable of moving it. Person A expresses gratitude for Person B’s help, and Person B responds by saying they are happy to assist. Both “可以” and “能” indicate the ability or permission to perform an action, in this case, helping with moving the box.

Exercise

• Create your own sentence(s) using 可以 (kěyǐ) and 能 (néng)