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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing ability with 能 (néng) as an adverb

    HSK 1
    Permission & Ability

    Structure

    Subject + 能 + Verb + Object

    Explanation

    能 (néng) expresses ability or possibility, meaning "can" or "to be able to." As an adverb-like modifier, it indicates that someone has the capacity or the circumstances allow them to do something. It differs from 会 (huì), which focuses on learned skills, while 能 emphasizes physical ability or situational permission.

    Examples

    • 他受伤了,现在不能走路。

      Tā shòushāng le, xiànzài bù néng zǒulù.

      He is injured and can't walk right now.

    • 你喝了酒就不能开车了。

      Nǐ hēle jiǔ jiù bù néng kāichē le.

      If you've been drinking, you can't drive.

    • 这个箱子太重了,我一个人搬不能搬动。

      Zhège xiāngzi tài zhòng le, wǒ yí ge rén bān bù néng bān dòng.

      This box is too heavy; I can't move it by myself.