The modal verb 会

In Chinese, 会 (huì) stands before a verb and means knowing how to do something, learned beforehand.

That is, the person learned it earlier and can now do it.

In English it is usually rendered as “can …” or “know how to …”.

Basic structure

Subject + 会 + verb

Meaning: someone has learned something and can do it.

你(Nǐ)会(huì)做(zuò)饭(fàn)吗(ma)？

Can you cook?

Structure

你 + 会 + 做饭 + 吗？ you + can + cook + ?

你(nǐ)you

会(huì)can / know how to

做(zuò)饭(fàn)cook a meal

吗(ma)question particle

Here 会 marks the ability to cook, acquired by learning.

我(Wǒ)会(huì)做(zuò)面(miàn)条儿(tiáor)。

I can make noodles.

Structure

我 + 会 + 做面条儿 I + can + make noodles

我(wǒ)I

会(huì)can

做(zuò)面(miàn)条儿(tiáor)make noodles

Here 会 shows that the person knows how to do it.

我(Wǒ)不(bú)会(huì)做(zuò)菜(cài)。

I can't cook dishes.

Structure

我 + 不会 + 做菜 I + cannot + cook dishes

我(wǒ)I

不(bú)会(huì)cannot / do not know how to

做(zuò)菜(cài)cook dishes

Here 不会 shows the lack of that skill.

The rule in short

Affirmative

会 + verb

can … / know how to …

Example:

我(Wǒ)会(huì)做(zuò)面(miàn)条儿(tiáor)。

I can make noodles.

Negative

不会 + verb

cannot … / not know how to …

Example:

我(Wǒ)不(bú)会(huì)做(zuò)菜(cài)。

I can't cook dishes.

Question

会 + verb + 吗？

Example:

你(Nǐ)会(huì)做(zuò)饭(fàn)吗(ma)？

Can you cook?