可以

kě yǐ

HSK 2.0 Level 2 HSK 3.0 Level 1 Verb Very common

Definitions

1. can
2. may
3. possible
4. able to
5. not bad
6. pretty good

Word relationships

Related words

3 items

• 可能 kě néng 可能 kě néng might (happen) 表示可能性: might (happen)
• 允许 yǔn xǔ 允许 yǔn xǔ to permit 表示许可: to permit
• 不错 bù cuò 不错 bù cuò correct 表示评价时用: correct

Synonyms

1 item

• 能够 néng gòu 能够 néng gòu to be capable of 表示有能力或条件做某事: to be capable of

Usage notes

Common mistakes

Do not confuse 可以 (permission/possibility) with 会 (learned skill) or 能 (physical ability).

Formality

可以 is neutral; for polite requests, 能 is slightly more tentative.

Example Sentences

5 shown

交流 可以 增进两国人民的了解。

Communication can enhance the understanding between the people of the two countries.

我们 可以 做很多事情，譬如去散步。

We can do many things, for example, go for a walk.

你 可以 任意选择。

You can choose arbitrarily.

你 可以 帮我吗？

Can you help me?

我 可以 问你一个问题吗？

May I ask you a question?

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Words Containing 可以

• 不可以 不可以 bù kě yǐ: may not
• 他山之石可以攻玉 他山之石可以攻玉 tā shān zhī shí kě yǐ gōng yù: lit. the other mountain's stone can polish jade (idiom); to improve oneself by accepting criticism from outside
• 可以意会，不可言传 可以意会，不可言传 kě yǐ yì huì , bù kě yán chuán: can be understood, but not described (idiom, from Zhuangzi 莊子|庄子[zhuāng zǐ]); mysterious and subtle
• 夏虫不可以语冰 夏虫不可以语冰 xià chóng bù kě yǐ yǔ bīng: a summer insect cannot discuss ice (idiom)
• 星星之火，可以燎原 星星之火，可以燎原 xīng xing zhī huǒ , kě yǐ liáo yuán: a single spark can start a huge blaze (idiom); an insignificant cause can have a massive effect

Child Words of 可以

• 以 以 yǐ: to use
• 可 可 kě: can