可以 kě yǐ
“can; may; possible”
verbHSK 2 · 2021 list level 2
新HSK等级2025 HSK 3.0 syllabus level
可以 appears in the November 2025 exam syllabus in the following numbered entry. Levels refer to the listed reading and use, not every meaning.
- Entry 102: 可以 kěyǐ — Level 1; official annotation 1 (动、形). PDF page 82
Separate from the HSK 2.0 and 2021 list labels above. Compare the three lists.
用法How to use 可以
可以 means 'can' when asking for or giving permission. It comes before a verb and is very common in questions with 吗. Pattern: 可以 + verb (+ 吗)?
例句Example sentences
- 我可以坐这里吗？wǒ kě yǐ zuò zhè lǐ ma?Can I sit here?
- 你可以明天来。nǐ kě yǐ míng tiān lái.You can come tomorrow.
- 我们可以在这里吃饭。wǒ men kě yǐ zài zhè lǐ chī fàn.We can eat here.
易混词Easily confused
可以vs能
Both can mean 'can,' but 可以 is especially common for asking or giving permission; 能 often stresses ability or outside conditions.