会 vs 能 (huì vs néng): which “can” to use
会 (huì) expresses a learned skill—knowing how to do something through practice or study. 能 (néng) expresses ability under the current circumstances, including physical capacity, permission, or feasibility. While they overlap when both skill and condition apply, the core distinction is between acquired knowledge and situational capability.
The core difference is that 会 (huì) refers to knowing how to do something through learning or practice, while 能 (néng) refers to having the ability to do something under the current circumstances, often due to physical or external conditions. In some contexts, especially when the ability is both learned and feasible, either can be used but with a subtle shift in meaning: 会 emphasizes know-how, 能 emphasizes practicality. Understanding this distinction helps learners choose the right modal verb for 'can'.
When to use each
Use 会 to express that you have learned a skill or know how to do something. It implies that the ability is acquired through practice or study, such as languages, sports, or any learned capability. It is also used for future possibility (e.g., 'it will rain'), but that is a separate usage.
In the skill sense, 会 is distinct from 能; however, in the negative, 不会 means 'don't know how to' rather than 'cannot due to circumstances'.
Use 能 to express ability due to physical capacity, time, resources, or environmental conditions. It often implies that the ability is possible right now or in a given situation. It is also used informally for permission (though 可以 is more polite) and for expressing a high degree of ability (e.g., 'can eat a lot').
能 is used in the negative (不能) for prohibition or incapacity. When both 会 and 能 apply, 能 emphasizes feasibility while 会 emphasizes knowledge. For example, '我能说中文' means 'I can speak Chinese (now, maybe because I'm not sick)', while '我会说中文' means 'I know how to speak Chinese'.
At a glance
| 会 | 能 | |
|---|---|---|
| Learned skill vs practical ability | Emphasizes know-how; skill acquired through learning (e.g., 我会说中文 'I can speak Chinese' means I know how). | Emphasizes capacity or possibility under circumstances (e.g., 我能说中文 'I can speak Chinese' means I am able to now, maybe because I'm not sick). |
| Physical ability | Not used for physical ability; use 能 instead (e.g., 他能跑很快 'He can run fast'). | Correct for physical or inherent ability (e.g., 他能跑很快 'He can run fast'). |
| Permission | Not used for permission. | Can be used informally for permission, but 可以 (kěyǐ) is more polite and standard. 你能进来？ 'Can you come in?' asks about ability, not permission; for permission use 你可以进来. 'You may come in' is 你可以进来. |
| Negation | 不会 (bùhuì) = 'don't know how to' (lack of skill). | 不能 (bùnéng) = 'cannot' (due to prohibition or incapacity). |
Examples
- 会我会游泳。Wǒ huì yóuyǒng.I can swim (I know how).Emphasizes learned skill.
- 能我现在很累，不能游泳。Wǒ xiànzài hěn lèi, bùnéng yóuyǒng.I'm tired now, so I cannot swim.Circumstantial inability.
- 能他能跑很快。Tā néng pǎo hěn kuài.He can run fast (physical ability).Correct structure — modal verb 能 before main verb.
- 会你会说中文吗？Nǐ huì shuō Zhōngwén ma?Do you know how to speak Chinese?Asking about learned skill.
- 能你能说中文吗？Nǐ néng shuō Zhōngwén ma?Are you able to speak Chinese? (e.g., now, in this situation)Asking about current ability.
Common mistakes
- Using 能 for a learned skill like speaking Chinese when you mean 'know how' — use 会.
- Using 会 for physical ability, e.g., '他会跑很快' — should be 他能跑很快.
- Using 能 for permission when politeness is needed — 可以 is better for 'may'.
- Omitting a verb after 能, such as '我能中文' — must be '我能说中文'.
FAQ
- When do I use 会 vs 能 for 'can'?
- Use 会 when referring to a learned skill (knowing how). Use 能 when referring to ability due to circumstances (being able to). If both apply, 会 emphasizes knowledge, 能 emphasizes feasibility.
- Can I use 会 and 能 interchangeably?
- Not exactly; they have different nuances. In some contexts, both are possible but with different meanings. For example, 我会游泳 means 'I know how to swim', while 我能游泳 means 'I am able to swim (now)'.
- What is the difference between 不能 and 不会?
- 不能 means 'cannot' due to prohibition or external conditions; 不会 means 'don't know how to' due to lack of skill. For example, 我不能去 means 'I cannot go' (some reason), 我不会去 means 'I won't go' (future) or 'I don't know how to go'.