我可以
wǒ kěyǐ
The English phrase 'I can' is translated into Mandarin as 我可以 (wǒ kěyǐ).
我可以 is used to express permission or possibility, such as saying you are allowed to do something or that a situation is possible.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 我, which means 'I' or 'me' and 可以, which means 'can' or 'may' in the sense of permission or possibility.
Which one should you use?
While 我可以 expresses permission or possibility, you should use 我会 if you want to say you 'can' do something because you have learned a specific skill, such as 'I can speak Chinese'.
How does it change in a sentence?
Similar to English, the phrase 我可以 is placed directly before the verb it modifies.
How do you pronounce it?
wǒ kěyǐ
Did you know?
- The phrase 可以 is frequently used in Chinese slang to mean 'to have a go' or 'to be quite something'. If someone says a person is 很可以, they are often complimenting that person's skill or impressive nature.
- If you want to say 'I can' to express that you have the physical strength or capacity to do something, you would actually use 能. Using 可以 in those instances can make you sound like you are talking about legal permission rather than physical power.
- The character 可 in 可以 originally meant 'to be able to' or 'to be worthy of' in ancient texts. Today, it functions as a component of many adjectives that describe things as being 'worthy' or 'suitable'.
Examples in context
- 我可以幫忙。I can help out.This sentence is useful for offering assistance with the form 我可以.Tatoeba #13213012 by LeviHighway, translation #11851440 by CK
- 我可以試試。I can try.This sentence is useful for expressing a willingness to try with the form 我可以.Tatoeba #13826819 by LeviHighway, translation #11430702 by Agestur
- 我可以照顧自己。I can take care of myself.This sentence is useful for expressing self-sufficiency with the form 我可以.Tatoeba #6318532 by verdastelo9604, translation #1871856 by Spamster
- 老师，我能完成这个任务。Teacher, I can complete this task.
- 请问，我可以离开一会儿吗？Excuse me, may I leave for a moment?
- 我有能力解决这个问题。I have the ability to solve this problem.
- 我会弹吉他。I can play the guitar.
- 明天我们一起去看电影，我可以预定票。Let's go watch a movie together tomorrow. I can reserve the tickets.
- 这个工作我觉得没问题！I can handle this job without any problem!
- 我能游泳。I can swim.
- 我可以开车。I can drive.
- 我会做中国菜。I can cook Chinese food.
- 我有能力解决这个难题。I have the ability to solve this difficult problem.
- 明天，我觉得我能完成工作。Tomorrow, I feel that I can finish the work.
- 45 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Zhiqiang asks Xiaowen for help with a heavy box.
- 志强 Zhiqiang這個箱子太重了，你能幫我嗎？Zhège xiāngzi tài zhòngle, nǐ néng bāng wǒ ma?This box is too heavy, can you help me?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen沒問題，我可以幫你搬。Méi wèntí, wǒ kěyǐ bāng nǐ bān.No problem, I can help you move it.
- 志强 Zhiqiang真的嗎？太感謝你了，曉雯。Zhēnde ma? Tài gǎnxiè nǐ le, Xiǎowén.Really? Thank you so much, Xiaowen.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen別客氣，志強。Bié kèqì, Zhìqiáng.You're welcome, Zhiqiang.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
