Expressing ability or possibility with "neng"

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:

• 你能不能给我那本书？
• 我不能游泳。
• 我能买吗？

Sources and further reading

• Sinosplice: Chinese Modal Verb Venn Diagram