会

• Pinyin: huì
• Hanzi breakdown: 会 = simplified from 會; originally depicted people gathering, extended to mean understanding and ability

Meaning

Can; to be able to; will. Indicates a learned ability or a future possibility.

Has two main uses: (1) learned skill or ability, e.g. 我会游泳 (I can swim); (2) future likelihood, e.g. 明天会下雨 (It will rain tomorrow). For innate ability or physical possibility, use 能 instead.

Examples

1. 你会说中文吗？ Can you speak Chinese?
2. 明天会下雨。 It will rain tomorrow.
3. 我不会做饭。 I can't cook.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, ability, future

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我会开车。(I can drive.)
• 他明天会来。(He will come tomorrow.)

Don't Say

• 我会看见那个。(Awkward — seeing is not a learned skill; use 能 for physical ability or possibility)

Origin & History

Originally written 會, combining 亼 (to gather) and 曾 (layers). The idea of people gathering evolved into meanings of meeting, understanding, and ability.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal