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HSK2Modal verbs

Permission and possibility with 可以 (kěyǐ)

An English guide to Permission and possibility with 可以 (kěyǐ), with structures, examples, and practical usage notes.

1 min read94 words
Permission and possibility with 可以 (kěyǐ)

Overview

This English reference introduces “Permission and possibility with 可以 (kěyǐ)” and focuses on the information most useful when reading Chinese.

Structure

subject + 可以 + verb + object

Examples

Permission

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,?

Mom, can I play on the computer?

。

The boss says we can finish work.

?

Can I go to the bathroom?

Possibility

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?

Can you do me a favor?

,?

I don’t have time today. Can you come tomorrow?

Common mistakes

不可以 vs. 不能

Use this note to compare the pattern with the surrounding words while reading.

A:?
B:。
A:?
B:。

Related grammar points

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