能 (neng) for capability

Core idea

能 says an action is possible under the current conditions. The reason may be physical ability, time, rules, health, or the situation itself.

It is less about learned skill and more about whether the action can actually happen now.

Mini decision rule

Use 能 when circumstances matter. If the issue is permission, 可以 is often better. If the issue is knowing how, 会 is often better.

The negative 不能 often means that something is not possible, not advisable, or not allowed under the circumstances. Context decides the exact force.

For beginner learners, the fastest test is: are we talking about a learned skill, permission, or real-world conditions? Choose the modal from that meaning, not from the English word “can.”

Where learners slip

English “can” hides several meanings. A sentence with 能 should normally make sense as “the situation allows it” or “the person is able in these conditions,” not just “the person knows how.”