可以 kěyǐ can
can; may; possible; okay
How to remember 可以: 可 may + 以 to use = can.
Characters
How it is used
- Permission or feasibility - 可以进来吗? (kěyǐ jìnlai ma) may I come in? 这样也可以 that works too.
- As a bare reply it means 'sure / okay'; doubled 还可以 (hái kěyǐ) softens to 'not bad, so-so'.
- For pure ability use 会 (huì, learned skill) or 能 (néng, capable/circumstance); 可以 centers on being allowed or acceptable.
Example sentences
- 我可以问你一件事吗？ Wǒ kěyǐ wèn nǐ yí jiàn shì ma?May I ask you a question?
- 当然可以！ Dāngrán kěyǐ!Of course it's okay!
- 你可以关窗户吗？ Nǐ kěyǐ guān chuānghu ma?Can you close the window?
- 我可以试一下这条牛仔裤吗？ Wǒ kěyǐ shì yíxià zhè tiáo niúzǎikù ma?Can I try on this pair of jeans?