Modal Verbs: 会 & 能
能愿动词：会/能
Talk about ability and possibility using 会 and 能
Place 会 or 能 right before the main verb to say someone can or is able to do something.
会 focuses on learned skill ("I learned how to…"), while 能 focuses on whether circumstances or capacity allow an action ("I am able to…").
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Modal Verbs: 会 & 能 (能愿动词：会/能)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 能愿动词：会/能 pattern
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Understanding 能愿动词：会/能
English wraps everything into the single word "can." Chinese is more precise — it gives you two tools. 会 is for skills you've picked up (swimming, cooking, speaking a language). 能 is for whether conditions allow it (you're physically able, you have permission, the situation makes it possible). Master this split and you sound noticeably more natural. Think of it this way: if you spent time learning how to do something, that is 会 territory. If the question is whether the universe, your body, or the rules allow you to do it right now, that is 能 territory. English speakers often struggle because "can" covers both, but once you feel the difference, you will actually appreciate how precise Chinese is — it forces you to think about WHY you can or cannot do something.
Key Points
- 会 (huì) = learned ability. You studied it, practiced it, and now you've got the skill.
- 能 (néng) = circumstantial ability. Your body can handle it, the rules permit it, or the situation allows it.
- Negation: 不会 = "cannot (don't know how)"; 不能 = "cannot (not allowed / not possible)."
- Question form: add 吗 at the end or use A-not-A: 会不会？ / 能不能？
- Context can sometimes allow overlap, but the core distinction is skill vs. possibility.
- 会 can also indicate future probability: 明天会下雨 (It will rain tomorrow) — a secondary meaning you will see more at HSK 2+.
- 能 sometimes implies physical capacity: 我能吃三碗饭 (I can eat three bowls of rice) — your stomach allows it.
- In polite requests, 能 is preferred: 你能帮我吗？(Can you help me?) feels natural and courteous.
In China, saying 我不会 (I don't know how) is seen as humble and polite — people might say it even if they have some skill. It's a way to be modest.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
我不会说中文。
I can't speak Chinese.
Learned skill — haven't acquired it yet
她会做中国菜。
She can cook Chinese food.
明天你能来吗？
Can you come tomorrow?
Circumstantial — asking if the situation permits
这里不能拍照。
You can't take photos here.
Permission / rules
他会弹吉他。
He can play guitar.
我今天不能去上课。
I can't go to class today.
Circumstance prevents it — maybe sick
你能帮我看一下吗？
Can you take a look for me?
Polite request — asking if the situation allows
我会包饺子。
I can make dumplings.
Learned skill — wrapping dumplings takes practice
这里不能停车。
You can't park here.
Rule-based prohibition
我能吃辣的。
I can eat spicy food.
Physical capacity — my body can handle it
Common Mistakes
Speaking a language is a learned skill, so use 不会. Using 不能 implies someone is forbidding you from speaking it.
This is about a rule or prohibition, not a skill — use 不能.
Asking about attendance is a circumstantial question (能), and the time word 明天 should come before the verb phrase, not after.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Quick test: can you "learn" this action? If yes → 会. If it depends on the situation → 能.
Remember: 不会开车 = "I never learned to drive." 不能开车 = "I can't drive right now (maybe my license is suspended)."
When in doubt, ask yourself: "Is this about SKILL or SITUATION?" That one question solves 90% of 会/能 choices.
At the doctor, you will hear 能 a lot: 你能走路吗？(Can you walk?) — they are asking about your physical state, not whether you ever learned to walk.
Think of 会 as your resume (things you have learned) and 能 as your calendar (things you can do right now).
Homework
Write five sentences about things you CAN do (learned skills — use 会) and five things you CAN or CAN'T do today because of circumstances (use 能/不能). Then swap lists with a study partner and quiz each other.