expressing permission: 可以 kGyH 12.3
12.2.2 能 néng
能 néng expresses physical ability or the unobstructed ability to perform some action. 不能 bù
néng is used when performance is obstructed.
你能不能把桌子搬到那边去？
你能不能把桌子搬到那邊去？
Nǐ néng bù néng bǎ zhuōzi bān dào nàbiān qù?
Can you move this table over there?
(lit. ‘Can you take this table and move it over there?’)他的嗓子疼，不能说话。
他的嗓子疼，不能說話。
Tā de sǎngzi téng, bù néng shuō huà.
His throat is sore. He can’t speak.
现在在修路。不能过。
現在在修路。不能過。
Xiànzài zài xiū lù. Bù néng guò.
The road is being repaired now. You can’t cross it.C52.1.312.2.3 可以 kGyH
可以 kěyǐ is sometimes used to express knowledge-based or physical ability. The negative is
不可以 bù kěyǐ.
你可以不可以写你的名字？
你可以不可以寫你的名字？
Nǐ kěyǐ bù kěyǐ xiě nǐ de míngzi?
Can you write your name?她已经八十岁了，可是还可以骑自行车。
她已經八十歲了，可是還可以騎自行車。
Tā yǐjing bāshí suì le, kěshì hái kěyǐ qí zìxíngchē.
She is already eighty years old but can still ride a bicycle.12.3 expressing permission: 可以 kGyH
The primary use of 可以 kěyǐ is to express permission to perform an action. The negative is
不可以 bù kěyǐ.
妈妈说我可以跟你去看电影。
媽媽說我可以跟你去看電影。
Māma shuō wǒ kěyǐ gēn nǐ qù kàn diànyǐng.
Mom said I can go with you to see a movie.你才十六岁。不可以喝酒。
你才十六歲。不可以喝酒。
Nǐ cái shíliù suì. Bù kěyǐ hē jiǔ.
You are only 16 years old. You cannot drink alcohol.
C51.2