能

• Pinyin: néng
• Hanzi breakdown: 能 = originally a pictograph of a bear, symbolising strength and capability

Meaning

Can; to be able to. Expresses ability, capability, or permission.

One of the most important auxiliary verbs. Expresses physical ability or learned capability. Different from 会 (know how to, learned skill) and 可以 (have permission). Often used in questions to ask about possibility or ability.

Examples

1. 你能帮我吗？ Can you help me?
2. 我今天不能去。 I can't go today.
3. 他能说三种语言。 He can speak three languages.

Usage Guide

Context: ability, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 你能来吗？(Can you come?)
• 我能自己做。(I can do it myself.)

Don't Say

• 我能游泳。(Less natural for learned skills — say 我会游泳 for 'I can swim' as a learned ability; use 能 for situational ability like 今天我能游泳)

Origin & History

Originally a pictograph of a bear, symbolising strength and ability. The meaning shifted from physical power to general capability.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal