HSK 2 Chinese Word Pair
Hui vs Neng vs Keyi: Three Ways to Say Can
会 vs 能 vs 可以
Huì vs Néng vs Kěyǐ
0:59 min video · 3 sentences · 4 key words
Transcript with pinyin and English
- 0:04
- 0:26
- 0:37
About this lesson
Three short scenes show when to use 会 for a learned skill, 能 for ability or condition, and 可以 for permission.
How to practise
- Before each example plays, pick the word that fits and say your answer out loud.
- Read the difference card, then repeat every example in the 跟读 · Your turn pause.
- At the end, check the common mistake so you never make it again.
The difference: 会 vs 能 vs 可以
- 会 Huì can (learned skill). Skills you learned, like writing or singing.
- 能 Néng can (ability, condition). What is possible now, or not possible.
- 可以 Kěyǐ may (permission). Asking or giving permission.
Common mistake: 我能写汉字，我学过。 ✗ · 我会写汉字，我学过。 ✓ (A learned skill uses 会, not 能.)
Which one fits? 选一选
Say the missing word out loud first, then open the answer.
我＿＿写很多汉字。
会 / 能 / 可以 · A skill he has learned
Show the answer
我会写很多汉字。
Wǒ huì xiě hěn duō hànzì.
I can write many Chinese characters.
我脚疼，不＿＿跑。
会 / 能 / 可以 · A sore foot stops him today
Show the answer
我脚疼，不能跑。
Wǒ jiǎo téng, bù néng pǎo.
My foot hurts, so I can't run.
Key words 生词
| Chinese | Pinyin | English | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 会 | huì | can (learned skill) | HSK 1 |
| 能 | néng | can (ability, condition) | HSK 1 |
| 可以 | kěyǐ | may (permission) | HSK 2 |
| 汉字 | hànzì | Chinese character | HSK 1 |
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