可以
Pattern
Subject + 可以 + verb phrase
Key words
Core idea
可以 is the beginner-friendly way to ask for or grant permission. It can also say something is acceptable or workable.
The core feeling is “allowed” or “okay to do,” even when English translates it as “can.”
Permission and acceptability
Use 可以 when rules, permission, or acceptability are involved. Use 会 for learned skills and 能 for whether conditions make an action possible.
The negative 不可以 is mostly about permission or prohibition: something is not allowed. For “not possible,” Mandarin often prefers 不能.
In answers, 可以 alone is often enough when permission is granted.
Compare with skill
If the intended meaning is “I know how,” 会 is usually better. If the intended meaning is “someone lets me” or “this option is acceptable,” 可以 is doing the right job.
Examples
我可以坐这里吗？
Wǒ kěyǐ zuò zhèlǐ ma?
May I sit here?
可以 is the natural choice for asking permission.
你可以用我的笔。
Nǐ kěyǐ yòng wǒ de bǐ.
You can use my pen.
这个答案也可以。
Zhège dá'àn yě kěyǐ.
This answer is also acceptable.
Common mistakes
Avoid
我会坐这里吗？
Use
我可以坐这里吗？
Asking whether you are allowed to sit somewhere calls for 可以.
Avoid
我可以说中文。
Use
我会说中文。
If you mean the learned skill of speaking Chinese, 会 is more precise.
Seen in stories
The Permission Slip
他问每个人：“您可以帮我签字吗？”
He asks everyone, “Could you sign this for me?”
The Permission Slip
大家都问：“我们可以先看看吗？”
Everyone asks, “May we look at it first?”
The Permission Slip
男孩小声问她：“爷爷星期五可以休息吗？”
The boy quietly asks her, “Can Grandpa have Friday off?”
The Permission Slip
林姐笑着签字：“当然可以，我们都来听。”
Sister Lin signs with a smile: “Of course he may. We will all come listen.”
Can We Borrow the Classroom?
小安问老师：“星期三可以借这间教室吗？”
Xiao’an asks the teacher, “Can we borrow this classroom on Wednesday?”
Show 6 more story examples
Can We Borrow the Classroom?
老师说可以，可是音乐社也要练习。
The teacher says yes, but the music club also needs to practice.
Can We Borrow the Classroom?
他们又问：“图书馆的小房间可以用吗？”
They ask again, “Can we use the small room in the library?”
Can We Borrow the Classroom?
管理员说可以，但是里面不能说话。
The librarian says yes, but they cannot talk inside.
Can We Borrow the Classroom?
晚风很舒服，墙面也正好可以放电影。
The evening breeze is comfortable, and the wall is just right for showing a film.
Can We Borrow the Classroom?
社长看了看大家，说：“我们可以一直借这里吗？”
The club leader looks at everyone and says, “Can we keep borrowing this place?”
The Shared Umbrella
同学问：“可以跟我一起走吗？”
A classmate asked, “Can you walk with me?”