可以吗
The English phrase "can I" can be translated into Chinese as 可以吗.
可以吗 is used to ask for permission or possibility.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of 可以, meaning 'can' or 'may' and 吗, a particle used to turn a statement into a yes/no question.
Which one should you use?
While 可以吗 is used to ask for permission or possibility, 行吗 is a more colloquial way to ask if a proposed arrangement is acceptable or 'okay'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use this to mean 'Can I [do something]?', you place the action or the clause you are proposing before 可以吗.
When do people say it?
A standard way to answer 'Yes' to a request using this phrase is to simply say 可以 and a standard way to answer 'No' to a request using this phrase is to say 不可以.
Did you know?
- In highly formal settings, speakers may avoid 可以吗 and instead use the phrase 能否, which combines 'can' and 'unable' to create a very polite and humble request.
- Depending on the tone and context, 可以 can be used as a compliment to mean 'not bad' or 'impressive'. If someone performs a difficult task, a witness might say 可以! to express admiration.
- When answering 'no' to 可以吗, a polite person might avoid saying 不可以 directly to save face. They may instead use a vague phrase like 不太方便, meaning 'it is not very convenient'.
Examples in context
- 关于该问题的答复，我两天后再回答你可以吗？Regarding the question at hand, can I give you an answer in two days' time?This sentence is useful for asking if you can provide an answer regarding a specific question in two days' time using 可以吗.Tatoeba #2431771 by fenfang557, translation #2438454 by FeuDRenais2
- 我能 冒昧地问一个问题吗？Can I ask a question?
- 我可以 使用你的电话吗？Can I use your phone?
- 请问我可以 进入这个房间吗？Excuse me, can I enter this room?
- 能 过一下吗？Can I pass by?
- 行吗 我们晚点见面？Is it alright if we meet later?
- 我现在坐在这里可以吗？Wǒ xiànzài zuò zài zhèlǐ kěyǐ ma?Can I sit here now?
- 我用一下你的笔可以吗？Wǒ yòng yīxià nǐ de bǐ kěyǐ ma?Can I use your pen for a moment?
Example conversation
In a quiet library, Yu Ting wants to join Hao Ran at his table.
- 雨婷 Yuting浩然，我坐你旁边可以吗？Hàorán, wǒ zuò nǐ pángbiān kěyǐ ma?Hao Ran, can I sit next to you?
- 浩然 Haoran当然可以，请坐。Dāngrán kěyǐ, qǐng zuò.Of course you can, please sit.
- 雨婷 Yuting谢谢你。Xièxiè nǐ.Thank you.
- 浩然 Haoran不客气。Bù kèqì.You're welcome.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
