The modal verb 能
In Chinese, 能 (néng) stands before a verb and expresses the ability, the conditions or the opportunity to do something.
In English it is usually rendered as “can” or “be able to”.
Basic structure
Subject + 能 + verb
Meaning:
someone can do something, or has the chance to.
下午两点你能到吗？
下午两点xiàwǔ liǎng diǎnat two in the afternoon
你nǐyou
能néngcan / be able to
到dàoarrive
吗maquestion particle
Here 能 asks whether there is a chance of getting there at two.
爸爸能去
爸爸bàbadad
能néngcan
去qùgo
我不能去学校吃午饭
我wǒI
不能bù néngcannot / have no chance to
去学校qù xuéxiàogo to school
吃午饭chī wǔfànhave lunch
Here 不能 shows there is no chance of doing it.
The rule in short
Affirmative
能 + verb
can / be able to
Example:
爸爸能去
Negative
不能 + verb
cannot / not be able to
Example:
我不能去学校吃午饭
Question
能 + verb + 吗？
Example:
下午两点你能到吗？