Difference between revisions of "Expressing permission with "keyi""

Line 1: Line 1:
 
{{Grammar Box}}
 
{{Grammar Box}}
  
A primer on expressing permission using 可以.
+
可以 (kěyǐ) is primarily used for expressing permission.
  
 
== Structure ==
 
== 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.  
+
Permission is expressed with the [[modal 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.  
  
 
<div class="jiegou">
 
<div class="jiegou">
Line 21: Line 21:
 
* 你 <em>可以</em> 坐 在 这儿。<span class="trans">You may sit here.</span>
 
* 你 <em>可以</em> 坐 在 这儿。<span class="trans">You may sit here.</span>
 
* 我 <em>可以</em> 看 这 个 吗?<span class="trans">May I see this?</span>
 
* 我 <em>可以</em> 看 这 个 吗?<span class="trans">May I see this?</span>
* 他 <em>可以</em> 跟 我们 来。<span class="trans">He may come with us.</span>
+
* 他 <em>可以</em> 跟 我们 来。<span class="trans">He can come with us.</span>
  
 
</div>
 
</div>
  
 
==See also==
 
==See also==
 +
 
*[[Expressing ability or possibility]]
 
*[[Expressing ability or possibility]]
 
*[[Hui, keyi and neng]]
 
*[[Hui, keyi and neng]]

Revision as of 08:57, 28 January 2013

可以 (kěyǐ) is primarily used for expressing permission.

Structure

Permission is expressed with the modal 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

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

See also

Sources and further reading

Books