能 (néng) — can (to be able to)
Definition
能 (néng) means 'can' — used for general ability or possibility, broader than 会 ('know how to' a learned skill). 可以 is more common for permission.
verb
can (to be able to)
Easily confused
Examples
- 能？Wǒ néng hē shuǐ ma?Can I drink water?
- 能？Nǐ néng lái wǒ jiā ma?Can you come to my home?
- 能？Tā néng qù běi jīng ma?Can he go to Beijing?
Grammar
Appears in
Browse more HSK 1 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.