Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
能否()néngfǒu(neng2fou3)
能否 (néng fǒu) is used to express the idea of possibility or capability, often inquiring whether something can or cannot be done. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, especially when discussing options or requests.
Frequency#2113DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
能否 reflects the Chinese emphasis on consensus and consideration of others' opinions, often seen in business negotiations where agreement is sought. This phrase is frequently used in formal requests and discussions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person standing at a fork in the road, wondering '能否' (can I or can’t I) take one path over the other. The character 能 (neng) suggests capability, while 否 (fou) implies negation or refusal, creating a mental image of weighing choices.
Meanings of 能否
néngfǒu(neng2fou3)
1whether or not
2can it or can't it
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 能否
能否Simplified
Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L4IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 能否
Podcast: 能否
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 能否
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person standing at a fork in the road, wondering '能否' (can I or can’t I) take one path over the other. The character 能 (neng) suggests capability, while 否 (fou) implies negation or refusal, creating a mental image of weighing choices.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 能否 with just 能 (can), as 否 adds the element of uncertainty or choice. This phrase is more formal and should be used in situations that require politeness or seriousness. Common collocations include 能否提供 (can you provide) or 能否解决 (can it be resolved).
HSK Study Tips
While 能否 is not specifically listed in HSK levels, it aligns with the vocabulary typically encountered at intermediate stages. Students should focus on using it in questions and requests to practice sentence structure and politeness.
Cultural Note
能否 reflects the Chinese emphasis on consensus and consideration of others' opinions, often seen in business negotiations where agreement is sought. This phrase is frequently used in formal requests and discussions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 能否 in informal contexts where a simple 能 would suffice, such as '你能否去吗?' instead of the more casual '你能去吗?'. Additionally, some may confuse it with 是否 (shì fǒu), which is used for yes/no questions.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 能否
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 能否 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 能否 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Cultural Notes for 能否
🏮Cultural insight
能否 reflects the Chinese emphasis on consensus and consideration of others' opinions, often seen in business negotiations where agreement is sought. This phrase is frequently used in formal requests and discussions.
Frequently Asked Questions about 能否
You can use 能否 to ask if something can be done, like in '你能否帮我?' (Can you help me?).
Yes, 能否 is generally considered more formal and polite than just using 能.
While it's more formal, you can use it in everyday conversation, especially when making polite requests.
