能 vs. 会 vs. 可以

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能 (néng), 会 (huì), and 可以 (kě yǐ) are all often translated as “can”, it can be a difficult concept to learn since they all are used differently. some of them can be used interchangeably but for now im only going to cover the basics.

能 (néng) means “to be capable of” as in having the ability or be in the right circumstance to do something。

我喝酒了，所以不能开车。(wǒ hē jiǔ le, suǒ yǐ bù néng kāi chē) - i drank so i wont be able to drive

你能吃三碗米饭吗 ？(nǐ néng chī sān wǎn mǐ fàn ma?) - are you able to eat 3 bowls of rice?

会 (huì) means having the skill to do something through some kind of learning。

你会说中文吗？(nǐ huì shuō zhōng wén ma) - can you speak chinese?

我会弹钢琴。(wǒ huì tán gāng qín) - i can play the piano

可以 (kě yǐ) is used to give or get permission to do something

你可以帮我吗？(nǐ kě yǐ bāng wǒ ma) - can you help me?

我可以走了吗 ？(wǒ kě yǐ zǒu le ma?) - can i leave now?