Chinese Grammar Core Course — Unit 11
Unit 11
Modal verbs and intention
会 can mean learned ability or prediction; 能 concerns practical possibility; 可以 grants permission; 想 and 要 express desire or plan. Their differences matter more than an English “can”.
Do not translate tense word for word. Choose whether you mean a completed event, an action in progress, a continuing state, an experience, an ability, or a comparison.
Do not translate word by word. First identify the main verb, then attach time, place, negation, or aspect in the order shown by the pattern.
Pattern to hear
我会游泳。今天不能来。
Meaning in context: I can swim. I cannot come today.
How to use it
会 can mean learned ability or prediction; 能 concerns practical possibility; 可以 grants permission; 想 and 要 express desire or plan. Their differences matter more than an English “can”.
我会游泳。今天不能来。
Do not translate tense word for word. Choose whether you mean a completed event, an action in progress, a continuing state, an experience, an ability, or a comparison.
Do not translate word by word. First identify the main verb, then attach time, place, negation, or aspect in the order shown by the pattern.
Self-check
- How to use it
- Choose the viewpoint before the marker: completed event, current process, continuing state, experience, ability, or comparison.
- Build it yourself
- Retell yesterday, now, and a future plan with three different aspect or modal choices.
- Self-check
- Can you say why 不 and 没(有) are not interchangeable in your sentence?
Contrast and decision
For English speakers, the main adjustment is not basic SVO order but keeping time, place, aspect markers, and complements in their Chinese positions.
What to notice: Modal verbs and intention
More examples to read aloud
- 我想喝茶。
- 我可以坐这儿吗？
- 明天要下雨。
Read the pattern, cover the translation, and rebuild the sentence from its meaning. Return to the detailed articles for exceptions and nuance.
Build it yourself
Ask permission, state an ability, and make a plan for tomorrow.
分别表达能力、条件上的不能和许可。
Check the answer only after you have said or written your version.
Self-check
Model and reason
会 can mean learned ability or prediction; 能 concerns practical possibility; 可以 grants permission; 想 and 要 express desire or plan. Their differences matter more than an English “can”.
我会开车。今天不能去。我可以进来吗？
Read the pattern, cover the translation, and rebuild the sentence from its meaning. Return to the detailed articles for exceptions and nuance.