Expressing permission with "keyi"

可以 (kěyǐ) is primarily used for expressing permission.

Structure

Permission is expressed with the auxiliary verb 可以. It might be helpful to think of 可以 as meaning "may." This will help to keep its functions and usage clear.

Subject + 可以 + Verb + Object

Use this structure to express permission to do things.

Examples

• 你 可以 坐 在 这里。You may sit here.
• 我 可以 看 这 个 吗？May I see this?
• 他 可以 跟 我们 来。He can come with us.
• 我 可以 进来 吗？Can I come in?
• 你 可以早 点 来 吗？Can you come early?
• 十 八 岁 以后 可以 喝 酒。After you are 18 years old you may drink alcohol.
• 我 可以 要 两 个 吗？Can I have two?
• 妈妈，我 可以 出去 玩 吗？Mom, may I go out and have fun?
• 现在 可以 吃 饭 吗？May we eat now?
• 这里 可以 吸烟 吗？Can I smoke here?

Negating 可以 sentences

可以 sentences are negated with 不 , which is inserted in front of 可以:

Subject + 不 + 可以 + Verb + Object

Examples

• 这里 有 人，你 不 可以 坐 在 这里。There are people. You can't sit there.
• 小孩子 不 可以 看 这 个。Small kids can't see that.
• 他 不 可以 跟 我们 来。He can't come with us.
• 现在 你 不可以 进来。You can't come in right now.
• 你 不 可以 迟到。You can't be late.
• 十 八 岁 以前 不 可以 喝 酒。Before you are 18 you can't drink alcohol.
• 我 不 可以 要 两 个 吗？Can't I have two?
• 妈妈，我 不 可以 出去 玩 吗？Mom, why can't I go out and have fun?
• 现在 不 可以 吃 饭 吗？Can't we eat now?

See also

• Expressing ability or possibility
• Comparing "hui" "neng" "keyi"
• Expressing a learned skill

Sources and further reading

• New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1) (pp. 160-1) →buy
• New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1)(2nd ed) (pp. 185-7) →buy