Expressing permission with "keyi"

Revision as of 06:29, 25 February 2014 by Khaliunie (talk | contribs) (→‎Examples)

可以 (kěyǐ) is primarily used for expressing permission.

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

  • 可以 告诉 他。You can tell him.
  • 可以 看 这 个 吗?May I see this?
  • 可以 跟 我们 来。He can come with us.
  • 可以 进来 吗?May I come in?
  • 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.
  • 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

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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