Difference between revisions of "Expressing ability or possibility with "neng""
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<div class="liju"> | <div class="liju"> | ||
| − | * | + | * 我 不 <em>能</em> 游泳。 |
| − | * | + | * 我 <em>能</em> 买 吗？ |
| − | * | + | * 你 <em>能</em> 不 能 给 我 那 本书？ |
</div> | </div> | ||
Revision as of 06:57, 15 August 2011
The verb 能 is used to express either ability or possibility. The structure is:
Subject + 能 + Verb + Object
能 is the most versatile of the verbs 会, 可以 and 能. It can express all meanings of the English "can". The only thing it can't be used for is denying permission.
Some examples:
- 我 不 能 游泳。
- 我 能 买 吗？
- 你 能 不 能 给 我 那 本书？
Sources and further reading
- Sinosplice: Chinese Modal Verb Venn Diagram
