Definition
会 (huì) is a modal verb. It has two main uses: (1) to express that someone has learned a skill and knows how to do it (ability), and (2) to express that something is likely to happen in the future (prediction). Unlike 能 (can, physical ability) or 要 (want, intention), 会 emphasizes learned skill for ability and natural course for prediction. For example: 我会游泳 (I can only mean 'I know how to swim,' not 'I am physically able to swim (right now).'
noun
canto know how to (a learned skill)to be likely towill (future prediction)
Easily confused
- 层cénglook-alike(classifier) for floors, stories, layers
- 回huísound-alike(verb) to return, to go back
- 运yùnlook-aliketo transport, to ship
- 毁huǐsound-aliketo defame, to slander
- 坛tánlook-alike(noun) platform, rostrum, podium
- 灰huīsound-alike(noun) ash; dust; lime (powdery substance)
- 挥huīsound-aliketo wave, to brandish
- 汇huìsound-aliketo remit (money)
Examples
- 会。Wǒ huì yóuyǒng.I can swim.
- 会。Míngtiān huì xià yǔ.It will rain tomorrow.
- 会。Tā huì shuō Yīngyǔ.He can speak English.
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