Expressing permission with "keyi"
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Level
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Similar to
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Used for
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Keywords
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 这儿。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.
See also
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
