01 / READExamples
Highlighted words show the grammar pattern. Reveal the English translation when needed.
请问，我可以坐这里吗？
Excuse me, may I sit here?
The question asks whether taking this seat is acceptable.
这里可以拍照吗？
Is photography allowed here?
The place is the topic; the person taking the photo does not need to be stated.
你可以用这支笔。
You may use this pen.
可以 gives permission for the specific action 用这支笔.
02 / UNDERSTANDHow it works
Sentence pattern
可以 before a verb can say that an action is allowed or acceptable. Add 吗 to ask permission: 我可以坐这里吗 means “May I sit here?” The request names a specific action, so the other person knows what they are agreeing to. In a real conversation, 请问 can make a useful opening when you are approaching someone you do not know.
A short answer can be 可以, “Yes, you may,” or 不可以, “No, you may not.” 不能 is also common when the action is not allowed or not possible; context tells you which meaning applies.
可以 also expresses practical possibility, so it is not limited to formal permission. Compare 会 for knowing how to do something and 能 for ability under the circumstances. These words overlap, but their typical focus helps you choose. For a clear first use, ask about a small, specific action: sitting somewhere, opening a window, or borrowing a pen. Keep 可以 before the entire action and use an ordinary verb–object phrase after it.
COMMON MISTAKESWhat to watch for
Avoid我可以得坐这里吗？
Use我可以坐这里吗？
可以 directly precedes the proposed action. Do not add 得 between the permission word and 坐; 得 is not a connector for modal verbs in this pattern.
03 / PRACTISECheck your understanding
04 / VOCABULARYLesson vocabulary
| Chinese | Pinyin | Meaning here |
|---|---|---|
| 拍照 | pāizhào | to take a photograph |
| 用 | yòng | to use |
| 笔 | bǐ | pen |
Choose a Chinese word for dictionary definitions, examples and stroke order. The meanings above are specific to this lesson.
What is in the download?
The TSV contains Chinese words, pinyin and meanings. Import instructions are below.
Written for this website. Levels indicate difficulty, not official HSK placement. The app covers this topic with different wording and exercises.
