能
néng
Can, to be able to
How to say “can” in Chinese with 能 (néng)
能 (néng) + Verb
能 (néng) — can, be able to
HSK 1Auxiliary verbs
能 (néng) + Verb
HSK 1Auxiliary verbs能 (néng) — can, be able to
Rule structure
能 (néng) is placed before a verb and expresses physical capability and the ability to perform an action. In its negative form, the emphasis is on the impossibility of performing the action due to objective circumstances or physical limitations. Sometimes, negation with 能 (néng) can be used to express prohibition, lack of rights, or permission to do something. 能 (néng) is also used in polite questions.
Rule structure
能 (néng) is placed before a verb and expresses physical capability and the ability to perform an action. In its negative form, the emphasis is on the impossibility of performing the action due to objective circumstances or physical limitations. Sometimes, negation with 能 (néng) can be used to express prohibition, lack of rights, or permission to do something. 能 (néng) is also used in polite questions.
Examples
我能去。
Wǒ néng qù.
I can go.
你能来吗？
Nǐ néng lái ma?
Can you come?
他能看书。
Tā néng kànshū.
He can read a book.
Examples
我能去。
Wǒ néng qù.
I can go.
你能来吗？
Nǐ néng lái ma?
Can you come?
他能看书。
Tā néng kànshū.
He can read a book.
Practice
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Frequently asked questions
How do you say “can, be able to” in Chinese with 能?
Use the structure: 能 (néng) + Verb. For example: 我能去。 — “I can go”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
我能去。 — “I can go”.
Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?
This grammar rule is part of HSK 1.
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More HSK 1 grammar rules
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A + 是 (shì) + B
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星期 — days of the week
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时间 — time words and word order
Subj. + Time … / Time + Subj. …
在 — actions in progress
(正 (zhèng)) 在 (zài) + Verb