The modal verb 可以

In Chinese, 可以 (kěyǐ) stands before a verb and expresses possibility, ability or permission.

In English it is usually rendered as “can” or “may”.

Basic structure

Subject + 可以 + verb

Meaning: someone may do something.

我(Wǒ)可(kě)以(yǐ)再(zài)问(wèn)您(nín)一(yí)个(ge)问(wèn)题(tí)吗(ma)？

May I ask you one more question?

我 + 可以 + 再问您一个问题 + 吗？ I + may + ask you one more question + ?

我(wǒ)I

可(kě)以(yǐ)may / is it allowed

再(zài)again

问(wèn)您(nín)一(yí)个(ge)问(wèn)题(tí)ask you one question

吗(ma)question particle

Here 可以 is used to ask permission.

你(Nǐ)们(men)可(kě)以(yǐ)看(kàn)这(zhè)本(běn)书(shū)。

You can read this book.

你们 + 可以 + 看这本书 you + can + read this book

你(nǐ)们(men)you

可(kě)以(yǐ)can

看(kàn)这(zhè)本(běn)书(shū)read this book

Here 可以 states that something is possible.

我(Wǒ)可(kě)以(yǐ)坐(zuò)吗(ma)？

May I sit down?

可(Kě)以(yǐ)，请(qǐng)坐(zuò)！

You may, please sit down!

可以 + 坐 may + sit

Here 可以 both asks for permission and grants it.

可以 + verb