Expressing a learned skill with "hui"

The verb 会 can be used to express ability that has been learned, i.e. a skill. In this case 会 is an auxiliary verb.

Structure

The basic structure for 会 is:

Subject + 会 + Verb + Object

This structure is the easiest way to express all kinds of skills, from languages, to sports to skills in daily life such as cooking and driving.

Some examples:

• 他 会 说 中文。
• 我 会 开车。
• 你 会 做 好吃的 菜。
• 她 会 踢 足球。

Negating 会 sentences

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

Subject + 不 + 会 + Verb + Object

Again, this is the simplest way to express the lack of a learned ability. Some examples:

• 我 不 会 做饭。
• 我们 不 会 说 德语。
• 他 不 会 拉 小提琴。