🧐 可以 kěyǐ vs 能 néng – What’s the Difference?

They both mean “can”, right? Yes, but in Chinese, 可以 and 能 are not the same! 

Let’s break it down so you’ll know exactly when to use each one. ✅

🔍 Breakdown

🟡 可以 (kěyǐ) is used to say “may” or “be allowed to”

• 👉 It’s about permission.

🟢 能 (néng) is used to say “can” or “be able to”

• 👉 It’s about possibility or ability.

💬 Easy Examples

✅ 可以 (kěyǐ) – permission, “may”

• 我可以进来吗？(Wǒ kěyǐ jìnlái ma?)

• 👉 May I come in?
• 💡 Asking for permission.

• 上课的时候不可以说话。(Shàngkè de shíhou bù kěyǐ shuōhuà.)

• 👉 You’re not allowed to talk during class.
• 💡 Saying what’s not allowed.

✅ 能 (néng) – ability or possibility

• 今天太忙了，我不能去。(Jīntiān tài máng le, wǒ bù néng qù.)

• 👉 I can’t go today.
• 💡 Not possible because of the situation.
• 我能跑十公里。(Wǒ néng pǎo shí gōnglǐ.)

• 👉 I can run 10 kilometers.
• 💡 Describing what someone is physically capable of.

📌 Bonus Tip:

Sometimes both words can be used, but the meaning changes!

Example:

• 你可以吃巧克力。(Nǐ kěyǐ chī qiǎokèlì.)

• 👉 You are allowed to eat chocolate.
• 🎯 This is about permission — for example, the doctor says it’s okay, or your parent says yes.

• 你能吃巧克力。(Nǐ néng chī qiǎokèlì.)

• 👉 You are able to eat chocolate.
• 🎯 This is about ability — for example, you are not allergic or you don’t get sick from it.

✏️ Quick Summary

⚠️ Common Mistakes (Watch Out!)

1️⃣

• ❌ 我不可以来。Wǒ bù kěyǐ lái. (Wrong!)

• ✅ 我不能来。Wǒ bù néng lái.

• 👉 I can’t come.

• 🎯 Use 不能 (néng) when something is not possible (because of a situation like being busy or sick).

2️⃣ 

• ❌ 你能用我的电脑。Nǐ néng yòng wǒ de diànnǎo. (Wrong!)

• ✅ 你可以用我的电脑。Nǐ kěyǐ yòng wǒ de diànnǎo.

• 👉 You may use my computer.

• 🎯 Use 可以 when you’re giving permission.

🎯 Interactive Practice

Choose the correct word: 可以 (kěyǐ) or 能 (néng)

1. 我今天太累了，不 ___ 去。(Wǒ jīntiān tài lèi le, bù ___ qù.)

• 👉 I’m too tired to go today.

• ✅ Correct answer: 能 (néng)

• 🎯 This is about physical ability or situation.

2. 我 ___ 看一下这个文件吗？(Wǒ ___ kàn yíxià zhè ge wénjiàn ma?)

• 👉 May I take a look at this file?

• ✅ Correct answer: 可以 (kěyǐ)

• 🎯 Asking for permission.
  

3. 他生病了，不 ___ 上班。(Tā shēngbìng le, bù ___ shàngbān.)

• 👉 He is sick and can’t go to work.

• ✅ Correct answer: 能 (néng)

• 🎯 He is not able to go because he’s sick.

4. 我们 ___ 在这里拍照吗？(Wǒmen ___ zài zhèlǐ pāizhào ma?)

• 👉 Are we allowed to take photos here?

• ✅ Correct answer: 可以 (kěyǐ)

• 🎯 Asking if something is allowed.

🚀 Final Tip

• 📌 可以 (kěyǐ) – for permission: “May I…?” “You may…”

• 📌 能 (néng) – for ability or possibility: “Can you?” “I can’t because…”

✍️ Try writing two sentences — one with 可以, one with 能.

Practice helps you remember faster! 加油！💪