Old Chinese wrote 能 as a picture of a bear. Over time, the character stopped meaning 'bear' and started meaning 'able' or 'capable.' That's why 能 shows up in phrases about ability or whether conditions allow something.
能 is about whether your body or situation allows it now. Learned skills use 会.
Knowing a language is a learned skill, so 会 is natural. 能 sounds like you're able or allowed to speak right now.
Predictions about the future use 会. 能 is for ability or conditions, not weather predictions.
Being blocked by sickness is circumstances, so use 不能. 不会 sounds like you forgot how to swim.
会 = skill or prediction. 能 = ability or conditions. 可以 = permission or suggestion.
| Dimension | Natural | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Learned skill | 我会游泳 (I know how to swim) | 我能游泳 (sounds like physical ability today) |
| Circumstance | 我今天不能游泳 (I'm sick, can't swim today) | 我今天不会游泳 (sounds like I forgot how) |
| Permission | 这里可以游泳吗 (is swimming allowed here?) | 这里能游泳吗 (asks if conditions allow, not the polite default) |
| Prediction | 明天会下雨 (it will rain tomorrow) | 明天能下雨 (sounds wrong) |
Use 不能 when circumstances block you. 不会 means you don't know how to work.
| Dimension | Natural | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Blocked by circumstances | 我今天不能上班 (I can't go to work today) | 我今天不会上班 (I don't know how to work today) |
| Lack of skill | 我不会开车 (I don't know how to drive) | 我不能开车 (I can't drive — maybe drunk or no license) |
| Future possibility | 明天不能来 (can't come tomorrow) | 明天不会来 (won't come — different meaning) |
可以 is the safe, polite default for permission. 能 leans toward whether conditions allow it.
| Dimension | Natural | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Asking permission | 我可以坐这儿吗 | 我能坐这儿吗 (can sound like physical ability) |
| Stating permission | 这里可以停车 | 这里能停车 (sounds like cars are able to park) |
| Polite suggestion | 你可以试试 | 你能试试 (sounds like asking if you're capable) |
No. For predictions about the future, Chinese uses 会, not 能.
| Dimension | Natural | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Future prediction | 明天会下雨 | 明天能下雨 |
| Skill | 我会游泳 | 我能游泳 (for learned skill) |
| Circumstance | 今天不能游泳 | 今天不会游泳 (sounds like forgot how) |
Discover how a simple letter from a cookie seller led to an unexpected friendship with a famous scholar. This heartwarming story explores kindness and connection across social divides.
胡之适接到这封信，知道了他虽然只是一位卖饼干的，竟然 能 在业余勤奋自学；问的又是胡博士最关心的英美政治问题，更觉十分高兴，便立即亲自写了一封回信。
信中说：“你提出的问题太大，我 不能 给你一个可以使我自己认为满意的解释。
我 只能 说，你说的英国制度和美国制度其实没有什么不一样。
““我还可以说，我们这个地方，有一个卖饼干的，每天在街上叫卖饼干，但他还愿意关心国家大事，关心英美的政治制度，希望国家 能 走上正确的道路──只这件奇事，已够使我乐观，使我高兴了。
他 能 认得出哪种饼干是“我的朋友”做的。
Think instant noodles are unhealthy? This HSK 6 article challenges common myths and reveals surprising facts about nutrition, oil, and salt in this convenient food.
看一下“人体所需营养”目录，就明白一个人最好每天吃10到30种以上的食物，这样 才能 得到各种各样的营养。
这些多多少少都 能 补充人体所需要的一些营养成分。
我们通常说，加热食品的时候，最高 不能 超过200℃。
Learn the fascinating story behind the Chinese idiom '东山再起' (Dongshan Zaiji), which means to make a comeback. Discover its historical roots and modern usage.
一条咸鱼也 能 翻过身来。
你觉得老王 能 咸鱼翻身吗？
This heartwarming story shows how a small act of kindness can be passed on. Follow Gao Xianming as he learns an important lesson about generosity in his new city.
高先明 不能 上车，很不高兴。
高先明看见一个中国同学安小语，也是手里少五块钱， 不能 上车。
Is four years to reach HSK 5 fast or slow? Follow a conversation between two learners as they compare study hours and share realistic strategies for busy adults.
大家 能 听懂你的意思就可以了。
他们四年 能 过HSK六级。
This playful poem will make you smile as you explore how Chinese words like 'computer' and 'phone' can be funnier than they seem. Get ready to enjoy simple HSK 1 vocabulary and a twist of logic!
超市非常小，电脑没脑子，电话 不能 打。
Meet Dr. Mi, a doctor and teacher at Sichuan University. This simple HSK 1 story shows his daily routine from morning to night, helping you learn time expressions and everyday activities.
他早上七点十分开车去学校，四十五分钟 能 到学校。
Follow Xiao Li as he copes with the effects of forest fires near his home in the US and reflects on environmental changes. A thoughtful story for HSK 4 learners.
小李站在窗户旁边， 能 看见远处的天都变成黄色的了。
Meet Gao Youpeng, a friendly Beijing coworker who welcomes the narrator with local dishes and a simple language-exchange plan. This warm HSK 2 story is perfect for first readings about work and friendship.
我教他英文，他教我中文，每天学几个词，很快，我们的英语和汉语都 能 好很多。
This humorous dialogue follows a man who spends all his savings on his girlfriend's Apple phone and a lucky number, leaving him broke. A fun read for HSK 3 learners.
一个苹果 能 有多贵？
Meet Xiao Shang, who is heading back to Shanghai. She compares two ways to travel and tells us why she prefers the slower one. This story helps you practice comparing transportation in simple Chinese.
但是她 可能 会坐火车回上海。
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