beginner

Ability & Potential

Learn how to describe acquired skills using 會 and potential capability using 可以 in Chinese.

To describe ability and capability, Chinese uses specific auxiliary verbs placed directly before the main action verb:

會 (huì): Expresses an acquired skill (knowing how to do something after learning/training, like playing tennis).
可以 (kěyǐ): Expresses general capability or situational possibility (having permission or the physical circumstances to do something).

我會打網球。

I can play tennis (I know how to play).

Practice

Follow along with these examples to strengthen your understanding.

你會打網球嗎？

Can you play tennis?

我會打網球。

I can play tennis.

你現在可以看書嗎？

Can you read a book now?

我可以看書。

I can read a book.

你會打掃房間嗎？

Can you clean the room?

我會打掃房間。

I can clean the room.

你可以喝咖啡嗎？

Can you drink coffee?

我可以喝咖啡。

I can drink coffee.

Trace your learning progress and get real-time feedback with interactive exercises.

Ability & Potential | Ringoo