会 (hui) for learned skills

Core idea

会 says someone knows how to do something because the ability has been learned. It is the natural “can” for skills.

Languages, driving, cooking, swimming, and playing instruments all fit this meaning well.

Compare with the other can words

English uses “can” for many ideas. Mandarin separates learned skill, permission, and situational possibility more clearly. Use 会 when skill is the point.

The negative is usually 不会. Questions can use 吗 or an A-not-A shape, depending on the style of question.

Do not use 会 just because English says “can.” If you mean “allowed,” use 可以. If you mean “able under these conditions,” use 能.

Mini decision rule

Ask whether practice or training is the reason. If yes, 会 is probably the right modal. If the reason is a rule, a situation, or a physical condition, look at 可以 or 能 instead.