HSK 2Verbs
Modal Verbs: 可以, 能, 会
可以 (permission), 能 (ability/possibility), 会 (learned skill/probability).
Pattern
Subject + 可以/能/会 + Verb
Explanation
可以 = permission ("You may..."); 能 = physical ability or external conditions allow; 会 = learned skill or future probability.
Key distinctions: "我会游泳" (I can swim — learned skill). "我能游泳" (I am able to swim — conditions allow). "你可以游泳" (You may swim — permitted).
Examples
我会说中文。
Wǒ huì shuō Zhōngwén.
I can speak Chinese (learned skill).
你可以坐这儿。
Nǐ kěyǐ zuò zhèr.
You may sit here (permission).
他今天不能来。
Tā jīntiān bù néng lái.
He can't come today (unable).
Common Mistakes
Wrong
我可以说中文。
Correct
我会说中文。
For learned skills, use 会, not 可以.
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