Auxiliary verbsHSK 1
Expressing ability or possibility with 能
能 (néng) is placed before a verb to express that someone has the ability to do something. It can also indicate that something is possible under certain circumstances.
Structure
Subj. + 能 + Verb + Obj.
Examples
- 我能吃四十个饺子。Wǒ néng chī sìshí gè jiǎozi.I can eat 40 dumplings.
- 他能工作24个小时。Tā néng gōngzuò èrshí-sì gè xiǎoshí.He can work 24 hours.
- 你能帮我找到他吗？Nǐ néng bāng wǒ zhǎodào tā ma?Can you help me find him?
- 你的手机能上网吗？Nǐ de shǒujī néng shàngwǎng ma?Can your cell phone go on the internet?
- 一岁的宝宝能说话吗？Yī suì de bǎobao néng shuōhuà ma?Can a one year old baby talk?