Keyi (可以): Can / allowed in Chinese

可以

kěyǐ

Can / allowed

Character breakdown

可

can

kě

以

use

yǐ

Grammar and structure

可以 (kěyǐ) is a modal verb meaning 'can' or 'may'. It's composed of 可 (kě, 'can') and 以 (yǐ, a particle that completes the verb). It often appears in questions with 吗 (ma) at the end.

Variations and politeness

可以吗

kěyǐ ma

Is it okay? — Question form with 吗 (ma).

可以的

kěyǐ de

It's okay. — Affirmative form with 的 (de).

Mini dialogue

你可以来吗？

Nǐ kěyǐ lái ma?

Can you come?

可以的，我马上来。

Kěyǐ de, wǒ mǎshàng lái.

Yes, I can. I'll come right away.

When to use it

Appropriate

To ask for permission: 'Can I open the window?'
To grant permission: 'Yes, you may.'
To say something is possible or acceptable: 'That works.'

Avoid when

To talk about learned skills or abilities (use 会 huì).
To express physical capability or availability (use 能 néng).

Frequently asked questions

How do you say 'Can I...?' in Chinese?

Use 可以 (kěyǐ) before the verb and add 吗 (ma) at the end: 我可以...吗? (Wǒ kěyǐ... ma?).

How do you pronounce 可以?

It's pronounced kěyǐ, with the third tone on both syllables. The first syllable rhymes with 'her' without the 'r', and the second is like 'ee' with a falling-rising tone.