Expressing permission with "keyi"

A primer on expressing permission using 可以.

Structure

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

Subject + 可以 + Verb + Object

Use this structure to express permission to do things.

Examples

• 你 可以 坐 在 这儿。You may sit here.
• 我 可以 看 这 个 吗？May I see this?
• 他 可以 跟 我们 来。He may come with us.

See also

• Expressing ability or possibility
• Hui, keyi and neng
• Expressing a learned skill

Sources and further reading

Books

• 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