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March 24, 2026
可以kěyǐ(ke3yi3)
可以 (kě yǐ) means 'can' or 'may,' indicating the possibility or ability to do something. It is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese to express permission or capability, often in everyday situations like asking for permission or offering an option.
Frequency#57DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of permission is often more communal than in Western cultures. Using 可以 to ask for or give permission reflects respect for social norms and relationships.
Memory Tip
Imagine a key (可以 - kě yǐ) that opens the door to possibilities. The character '可' resembles a door being opened, while '以' can be visualized as a person stepping through it, symbolizing the ability to enter or do something.
Meanings of 可以
kěyǐ(ke3yi3)
1can
2may
Exercise 1 of 2
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Choose the correct answer:
About 可以
可以Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#57Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L2HSK 3.0L1ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 可以
Podcast: 可以
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AI Study Notes for 可以
Quick Contrast
可能 (kě néng) vs 可以 (kě yǐ): use 可能 when expressing a possibility that may not be certain, while 可以 indicates permission or ability.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a key (可以 - kě yǐ) that opens the door to possibilities. The character '可' resembles a door being opened, while '以' can be visualized as a person stepping through it, symbolizing the ability to enter or do something.
Usage Notes
Be careful to use the correct tone; '可以' is pronounced with the third tone followed by the third tone (kě yǐ). It is often followed by a verb to indicate what can be done, such as '可以去' (kě yǐ qù - can go). Avoid confusing it with '可以不' (kě yǐ bù - can not), which negates the ability.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK level 2 word, 可以 connects with other basic verbs and expressions of ability. Focus on using it in sentences to express permission or capability, which will help reinforce your understanding of the structure.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of permission is often more communal than in Western cultures. Using 可以 to ask for or give permission reflects respect for social norms and relationships.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes mistakenly use the wrong tone, saying 'kè yǐ' instead of 'kě yǐ'. Another common mistake is omitting the verb that follows, such as saying '可以' alone without context, which can lead to confusion.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 可以
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Grammar Patterns of 可以
可以 functions as a conjunction — it connects clauses or phrases. Many Chinese conjunctions come in pairs (虽然…但是…, 因为…所以…); use them at the front of the clauses they link. It carries 6 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
The turning point in the process of growing up is when you discover the core of strength within you that survives all hurt.--Max Lerner
8
埃勒里的归来可以驱散一些抑郁的情绪。
āi lè lǐ de guī lái kě yǐ qū sàn yī xiē yì yù de qíng xù。
Ellery's return will help to chase away some of the gloom.
9
网络游戏使得全球的玩家可以相互较量。
wǎng luò yóu xì shǐ dé quán qiú de wán jiā kě yǐ xiāng hù jiào liáng。
Online gaming allows players from around the world to challenge each other.
10
这个团体与叙利亚的关系可以追溯到《圣经》时代。
zhè gè tuán tǐ yǔ xù lì yà de guān xì kě yǐ zhuī sù dào《 《 shèng》 jīng 》。
The community's links with Syria date back to biblical times.
Cultural Notes for 可以
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of permission is often more communal than in Western cultures. Using 可以 to ask for or give permission reflects respect for social norms and relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions about 可以
可以 (kě yǐ) often implies permission, while 能 (néng) refers more to ability or capability.
Yes, 可以 is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, but be mindful of your tone.
Yes, you can say '不可以' (bù kě yǐ) to mean 'cannot' or 'may not'.
