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会、能、可以、要 in Mandarin

English often uses “can” for several different ideas. Mandarin chooses a modal verb based on whether the ability was learned, the situation allows it, the listener gives permission, or the speaker intends to do something.

会 for learned skills and likely events

会 huì describes a skill someone has learned, especially languages and activities. It can also express that something is likely to happen.

我会说一点中文。
Wǒ huì shuō yìdiǎn Zhōngwén. — I can speak a little Chinese.
她会开车。
Tā huì kāichē. — She can drive.
明天会下雨。
Míngtiān huì xiàyǔ. — It will probably rain tomorrow.

能 for circumstances and physical ability

能 néng focuses on whether circumstances or physical ability make an action possible. It is useful for asking whether someone has time, energy, or permission from a practical situation.

  • 你能帮我吗？ Can you help me?
  • 今天我不能去。 I cannot go today.
  • 你能听见吗？ Can you hear?

可以 for permission or an acceptable option

可以 kěyǐ asks whether something is allowed or acceptable. It is common in requests and practical questions.

可以坐这里吗？
May I sit here?
可以用现金吗？
Can I use cash?
可以再说一遍吗？
Could you say it again?

A useful reply is 可以 for permission and 不可以 for “that is not allowed”.

要 for intention or a request

要 yào can mean want, need, or intend to do something. In a restaurant, 我要 is a normal way to state what you would like. With a time phrase, it often means “going to”.

  • 我要一杯茶。 I would like a cup of tea.
  • 我明天要上班。 I have to work tomorrow.
  • 你要不要一起去？ Do you want to go together?
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