Goal
Learn how to express ability in Chinese using 会 (huì) and 能 (néng) — understand the differences in usage and apply them in context.
1. Key Vocabulary
| Chinese | Pinyin | English |
|---|---|---|
| 会 | huì | to know how to (learned ability) |
| 能 | néng | can, to be able to (possibility, permission) |
| 说 | shuō | to speak |
| 做饭 | zuò fàn | to cook |
| 开车 | kāi chē | to drive |
| 游泳 | yóu yǒng | to swim |
| 写 | xiě | to write |
| 唱歌 | chàng gē | to sing |
| 弹钢琴 | tán gāng qín | to play piano |
| 汉语 | hàn yǔ | Chinese language |
| 英语 | yīng yǔ | English language |
2. Grammar Point: 会 vs. 能
Both 会 (huì) and 能 (néng) can mean “can,” but they are used in different situations.
| Use Case | 会 (huì) | 能 (néng) |
|---|---|---|
| Learned skill | ✔ I have learned how to do it | ✘ |
| Physical possibility | ✘ | ✔ I am physically able to |
| Permission/allowed | ✘ | ✔ I am allowed to / It’s possible |
Examples
- 我会说汉语。
(Wǒ huì shuō hàn yǔ.)
I can speak Chinese. (I learned how.) - 他会做饭。
(Tā huì zuò fàn.)
He can cook. - 我今天不能去学校。
(Wǒ jīn tiān bù néng qù xué xiào.)
I can’t go to school today. (Not possible) - 她现在不能游泳。
(Tā xiàn zài bù néng yóu yǒng.)
She can’t swim now. (Maybe sick, or not allowed)
3. Sentence Patterns
Using 会 (huì)
Subject + 会 + Verb + Object
- 你会写汉字吗？
(Nǐ huì xiě hànzì ma?)
Can you write Chinese characters? - 我会弹钢琴。
(Wǒ huì tán gāng qín.)
I can play the piano.
Using 能 (néng)
Subject + 能 + Verb + Object
- 你能来吗？
(Nǐ néng lái ma?)
Can you come? - 我今天不能工作。
(Wǒ jīn tiān bù néng gōng zuò.)
I can’t work today.