How to use 能
能 + Verb
能 places attention on whether an action is possible or within someone's capacity. It comes before the main verb, which supplies the actual activity. Capacity may concern endurance, physical ability, available resources, or what a device can do. A learned skill can also follow 能 when the question concerns using it in particular circumstances.
This differs from the basic skill meaning of 会, which often asks whether somebody knows how. Knowing how does not guarantee that circumstances allow the action now. 不 before 能 expresses inability or lack of permission, depending on context. Requests with 能 can likewise ask whether the listener is able or willing to provide practical help.
Examples with pinyin and English
我能吃四十个饺子。
I can eat 40 dumplings.
他能工作 24 个小时。
He can work 24 hours.
你能帮我找到他吗？
Can you help me find him?
你的手机能上网吗？
Can your cell phone go on the internet?
What to remember
- Put 能 before the main action.
- Distinguish capacity from knowing a skill.
- Context determines possibility or permission.
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Source and editorial notes
Explanation rewritten for Laowai. Examples are adapted from the Laowai English grammar curriculum, with editorial corrections where needed. The original curriculum credits AllSet Learning’s Chinese Grammar Wiki as used with permission. Read the retained source credits.
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