Definition
能否 (néng fǒu) is a phrase meaning 'whether or not one can' or 'is it possible', used as a question or embedded clause. It is less formal than 与否 (yǔ fǒu), which is a written/formal suffix attached directly to a verb or adjective (e.g., 同意与否 'whether or not one agrees'). Use 能否 when you need a standalone 'whether or not (someone) can'.
phrase
whether or not (one can)is it possible
Examples
- 能否？Nǐ néng fǒu huídá zhège wèntí?Can you answer this question?
- 能否。Wǒ bù zhīdào tā néng fǒu tóngyì.I don't know whether he will agree.
- 能否。Wèntí shì wǒmen néng fǒu jiějué.The question is whether we can solve it.
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