▎能3, néng, (Vaux), Possibility (3)

 

Function 能3 refers to the possibility of implementing something when the circumstance is favorable.

1 我明天不能來開會。(otherwise engaged)

Wǒ míngtiān bù néng lái kāihuì.

I cannot make it to the meeting tomorrow.

2 咖啡也能外帶。(can be properly packed)

Kāfēi yě néng wàidài.

Coffee can also be taken to go.

3 小孩能不能在這裡玩手機？(any rules against it?)

Xiǎohái néng bù néng zài zhèlǐ wán shǒujī?

Can children use cell phones here?

4 他的腳受傷了，今天不能踢足球。

Tā de jiǎo shòushāng le, jīntiān bù néng tī zúqiú.

His foot got injured. He can’t play soccer today.

 

Structures 能3 is also a Vaux and follows the regular syntax for Vaux. See under 能1. Note that both 能1 and 能3 can be freely negated, whereas 能2 negation is restricted. See under 能2.

 

Usage As 能, 會, 可以 can all be translated into English ‘can’, it’s imperative to make the correct choice in Chinese. The choice is strictly governed by meaning (i.e., semantics).

1 You can come in now. → 可以

2 Can you speak louder!→ 能

3 Can you cook? → 會

4 Can you come for a minute? → 可以/能

5 Can you hear it? → 得- complement

6 Can her baby walk yet? → 會

7 How many hamburgers can you eat? → 能

8 Can he teach? → 能

9 Sorry, I cannot come. → 能

10 I can cook for you. → 可以

11 Can you wait for me? → 可以/能