<p>There is a substantial difference between the following contrast pair:
a. 我能说汉语。
b. 我可以说汉语。
In a., neng 能 indicates that I have the ability to speak Chinese while in b. keyi 可以 implies that this action, my speaking Chinese can be carried out if asked or allowed.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-06-07T02:43:08.183Z
2016-06-07T02:43:08.183Z
Shudong
<p>Neng primarily means that the current CIRCUMSTANCES ALLOW you to carry out a certain action. Ke Yi has the sense of being ALLOWED (or asked) to do something. If you want to say, I have the ability to do something, as in an acquired ability such as speaking Chinese, you should definitely use this word.: 会 hui4. </p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-06-07T05:56:03.133Z
2016-06-07T05:56:03.133Z
Sulfly
<p>What is the main differences between 能，and 可以? They both mean "to be able to", or simply "can", correct?</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-06-07T02:27:35.143Z
consult grammars on modal (auxiliary) verbs, search web using "Chinese auxiliary verbs"
user6065
<grammar><meaning><word-choice>
Neng [能] vs Ke yi [可以]
# Neng [能] vs Ke yi [可以]

(Asked by: username_0 on 2016-06-07)

What is the main differences between 能，and 可以? They both mean "to be able to", or simply "can", correct?

**Tags:** grammar, meaning, word-choice

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: consult grammars on modal (auxiliary) verbs, search web using "Chinese auxiliary verbs"  

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## 2 answers

### Answer by username_2 on 2016-06-07. Score: 1 | Accepted answer

There is a substantial difference between the following contrast pair:
a. 我能说汉语。
b. 我可以说汉语。
In a., neng 能 indicates that I have the ability to speak Chinese while in b. keyi 可以 implies that this action, my speaking Chinese can be carried out if asked or allowed.


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### Answer by username_3 on 2016-06-07. Score: 0

Neng primarily means that the current CIRCUMSTANCES ALLOW you to carry out a certain action. Ke Yi has the sense of being ALLOWED (or asked) to do something. If you want to say, I have the ability to do something, as in an acquired ability such as speaking Chinese, you should definitely use this word.: 会 hui4.


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