Expressing permission with "keyi"
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Used for
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Keywords
可以 (kěyǐ) is primarily used for expressing permission.
Contents
Basic Usage
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.
Structure
Subject + 可以 + Verb + Object
Use this structure to express permission to do things.
Examples
- 你 可以 告诉 他。You can tell him.
- 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？May I come in?
- 你 可以 十 点 来 吗？Can you come at 10 o'clock?
- 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？Can we eat now?
- 这里 可以 说话 吗？Can I speak here?
Negating 可以 sentences
可以 sentences are negated with 不 , which is inserted in front of 可以:
Structure
Subject + 不 + 可以 + Verb + Object
Examples
- 你 不 可以 告诉 他。 You can't tell him.
- 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, can't I go out and have fun?
- 现在 不 可以 吃 饭 吗？Can't we eat now?
- 这里 不 可以 说话 吗？
See also
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
