There are different ways to express “ can “ in Chinese, depending on what type of ability you’re talking about. Two verbs, in particular, are used to express "being able" are 会 and 能. Let's see what the difference between 会 and 能 is!
2 key ways to express "can" in Mandarin Chinese
The two key verbs to express "being able" are 会and 能. These auxiliary verbs both work the same way and are placed before the verb.
Structure
S + 会 or 能 + verb + O.
Knowing how to vs. being able to
Choosing whether to use 会 or 能 depends on what ability you want to express.
Expressing learned skills with 会
会 is used to express a skill that has been learned or studied. In this case, it means "to know how to".
Examples
我会说 汉语。
I can speak Chinese. = I know how to speak Chinese.
我会开车。
I can drive. = Ｉ know how to drive.
Expressing natural ability with 能
能 is used to express natural ability, i.e. when talking about activities that are not consciously learned or studied. It means "being able to".
Examples
他能帮助 你。
He can help you. = He is able to help you.
我 今天能去。
I can go today. = I am able to go today.
Expressing possibility
In addition to being used to express natural ability, 能 is also used to express possibility and is often used to politely ask for permission. In its negative form, 不能 means it's not possible (not allowed or not capable of).
会 can be also used to express possibility. 会 is used in cases where the possibility or the likelihood of it happening is higher. That's why we tend to regard 会 as a near future, and much closer in meaning to "be going to"or "will" in English.
These two examples will help you understand the nuance between the two:
我能和 你 一起 去。
I can go with you.
(You are expressing your availability to go but you have to wait for the permission to go. )
我会和 你 一起 去。
I will go with you.
(You are pretty sure that you will be going with that person)
Let's look at a few more examples.
Examples
我能坐 在 这儿 吗？
May I sit here?
你不能坐 在 这儿。
You can't sit here.你 明天会回去 上班 吗？
Will you go back to work tomorrow?是的， 我会。
Yes, I will.