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Auxiliary verbsHSK 1

Expressing permission with 可以

可以 (kěyǐ) is used to express permission, equivalent to "may" or "can" in English. It is placed before the verb, often in questions with 吗 to ask for permission. Remember that 可以 can also mean "ability," but this structure focuses on permission.

Structure

Subj. + 可以 + Verb (+ Obj.)

Examples

  • 我可以进来吗？
    Wǒ kěyǐ jìnlái ma?
    May I come in?
  • 二十一岁以后可以喝酒。
    Èrshí-yī suì yǐhòu kěyǐ hējiǔ.
    After you are 21 years old, you may drink alcohol.
  • 妈妈，我可以出去玩吗？
    Māma, wǒ kěyǐ chūqù wán ma?
    Mom, may I go out and play?
  • 我们可以在办公室吃饭吗？
    Wǒmen kěyǐ zài bàngōngshì chīfàn ma?
    Can we eat in the office?
  • 我可以在这里停车吗？
    Wǒ kěyǐ zài zhèlǐ tíngchē ma?
    Can I park here?

Words that use this