Modal Verbs - 可以
能愿动词 — 可以
The modal verb 可以 expresses permission (have the right to) or possibility (can). It is used to ask or grant authorization.
Structure
Subject + 可以 + Verb 可以 + Verb + 吗？ (to ask)
Elements
可以
How to use it
- To ask for permission: 我可以进来吗？ (Can I come in?).
- To indicate something is allowed: 这里可以拍照 (You can take photos here).
- To refuse, say rather 不能 or 不行 rather than 不可以.
Examples
不可以在这里吸烟。
bù kěyǐ zài zhèlǐ xī yān。
Smoking is not allowed here.
这里可以拍照吗？
zhèlǐ kěyǐ pāizhào ma?
Can I come in?
可以用信用卡吗？
kěyǐ yòng xìnyòngkǎ ma?
Can we use credit cards here?
我可以进来吗？
wǒ kěyǐ jìnlai ma?
Can I come in?
Notes and exceptions
- The negation of 可以 for permission is often 不能 rather than 不可以.
- 可以 vs 能: 可以 = permission, 能 = capability/circumstantial possibility.
- 可以 : can; be allowed. Common combinations observed: 吗 (question), 不 (general negation).
Common mistakes
- To refuse permission, prefer 不能 or 不行 rather than 不可以 (more natural).
- Do not confuse 可以 (permission) with 会 (learned skill).
Practice quiz
Choose the best option for each sentence, then submit to view the correction.
1. 不____在这里吸烟。
(Smoking is not allowed here.)
2. 这里____拍照吗？
(Can I come in?)
3. ____用信用卡吗？
(Can we use credit cards here?)
4. 我____进来吗？
(Can I come in?)