Modern Mandarin Chinese Grammar

expressing possibility

52.2

52.2.2 expressing feasibility

The modal 可以 kěyǐ is also sometimes used to express the feasibility of an event.

我们今天可以不考试吗？ 不可以。

我們今天可以不考試嗎？

Wǒmen jīntiān kěyǐ bù kǎo shì ma? Bù kěyǐ.

Can we not have a test today? No, not possible.

The most common function of 可以 kěyǐ is to express permission.

C12.3, 51.2

52.2.3 describing circumstances that may influence the occurrence of
an event

To specify circumstantial factors that favor or obstruct the occurrence of an event, use 能 néng.

中国孩子都能上中学吗？

中國孩子都能上中學嗎？

Zhōngguó háizi dōu néng shàng zhōngxué ma?

Can all Chinese children go to high school?

今天我的车坏了，所以不能去接你了。

今天我的車壞了，所以不能去接你了。

Jīntiān wǒ de chē huài le, suǒyǐ bù néng qù jiē nǐ le.

I can’t pick you up today because my car has broken down.