Definition
可以 (kěyǐ) is used for permission (may) and ability (can). For ability, 能 (néng) is more common in everyday speech for physical/mental ability, while 可以 also works but is slightly more formal. As an adjective, 可以 means 'not bad' (similar to 不错 bù cuò, but less emphatic).
can, may (expressing permission or ability)not bad, pretty good (adjective)
Easily confused
- 可疑kě yísound-alikesuspicious; dubious
- 刻意kè yìsound-alikedeliberately, intentionally (with conscious choice, often negative nuance)
Examples
- 可以?Wǒ kě yǐ hē shuǐ ma?May I drink some water?
- 可以。Wǒ kě yǐ chī hěn duō.I can eat a lot.
- 可以。Zhège cài hái kě yǐ.This dish is not bad.
Grammar
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