我会说中文
wǒ huì shuō zhōngwén
To say "I can speak chinese" in Chinese, use 我会说中文 (wǒ huì shuō zhōngwén).
This phrase is used to express that you have the ability to communicate in the Chinese language.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 会 (huì) specifically refers to a learned skill or an ability acquired through study, such as the ability to speak a language.
Which one should you use?
You can also say 我会说汉语. Replacing it with 汉语 (hànyǔ) specifically refers to the Han language. Additionally, do not confuse the word 会 (huì) with 能 (néng). While 会 is used for learned skills like languages, 能 is used for physical ability or possibility, such as being able to jump high.
How does it change in a sentence?
The sentence follows a simple Subject + Verb + Object structure, which is identical to the structure used in English.
How do you pronounce it?
wǒ huì shuō zhōngwén
Did you know?
- Depending on the context, saying 我会说 (wǒ huì shuō) can shift from meaning 'I can speak' to a firm promise that 'I will speak'.
- The character 会 (huì) used in this phrase is the same character used to describe a formal 'meeting' or a professional 'association'.
- The word 中文 (zhōngwén) used in this phrase refers more to the written form of the language than the spoken tongue, even though it is used colloquially for both.
Examples in context
- 我会说中文。I can speak Chinese.This sentence is useful for stating that you have the ability to speak the Chinese language.Tatoeba #2778674 by Ivan24, translation #1476163 by CN
- 我会说中文，所以没问题。Wǒ huì shuō Zhōngwén, suǒyǐ méi wèntí.I can speak Chinese, so it is no problem.
Example conversation
Two people are meeting for the first time at a language exchange.
- 俊杰 Junjie请问你会说中文吗？qǐng wèn nǐ huì shuō zhōng wén ma?Excuse me, can you speak Chinese?
- 雨婷 Yuting是的，我会说中文。shì de, wǒ huì shuō zhōng wén.Yes, I can speak Chinese.
- 俊杰 Junjie太好了！我们可以一起练习。tài hǎo le! wǒ mén kě yǐ yī qǐ liàn xí.Great! We can practice together.
- 雨婷 Yuting没问题，很高兴认识你。méi wèn tí, hěn gāo xìng rèn shí nǐ.No problem, it's nice to meet you.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
