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How to ask for permission with 可以 (kěyǐ)

可以 (kěyǐ) + Verb

Expressing permission with "可以 (kěyǐ)"

HSK 2Auxiliary verbs

Rule structure

可以 (kěyǐ) is a modal verb used to ask for or grant permission, meaning "may" or "can" (in the sense of being allowed). It is also used to express possibility.

Examples

我可以进来吗？

Wǒ kěyǐ jìnlái ma?

May I come in?

Practice

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Frequently asked questions

How do you express “Expressing permission with "可以 (kěyǐ)"” in Chinese?

Use the structure: 可以 (kěyǐ) + Verb. For example: 我可以进来吗？ — “May I come in?”.

What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?

我可以进来吗？ — “May I come in?”.

Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?

This grammar rule is part of HSK 2.

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More HSK 2 grammar rules

The verb/modal verb "要 (yào)" and its meanings

要 (yào) + Noun / 要 (yào) + Verb

Wanting to do something with "要 (yào)"

要 (yào) + Verb

Expressing "be going to" with "要 (yào)"

Subj. + 要 (yào) + Verb (+ 了 (le))

Superlative "最 (zuì)"

最 (zuì) + Adj. (+ 了 (le))

Direction with "到 (dào) + place + 去 (qù)"

到 (dào) + Place + 去 (qù)

Expressing "although" with "虽然 (suīrán)" and "但是 (dànshì)"

虽然 (suīrán)⋯⋯，但是 (dànshì) / 可是 (kěshì)⋯⋯

Verbing briefly with "一下 (yíxià)"

Verb + 一下 (yíxià)

Expressing "for" with "给 (gěi)"

Subj. + 给 (gěi) + Recipient + Verb Phrase