会(huì)
Can (Learned Ability) / Will
Structure Pattern
Explanation
会 (huì) has two main meanings:
-
Learned ability (can/know how to): When followed by a verb, 会 expresses a skill or ability acquired through learning. "I can swim" = "I learned to swim."
-
Future possibility (will/might): 会 can indicate something will happen in the future. "It will rain" = 会下雨。
Key Differences:
- 会 = learned ability (riding a bike, speaking a language)
- 能 = physical ability or circumstantial possibility
- 可以 = permission or feasibility
Example Sentences
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Wǒ huì shuō Zhōngwén.
I can speak Chinese.
Tā huì zuòfàn.
She can cook.
Míngtiān huì xià yǔ ma?
Will it rain tomorrow?
Tā bú huì yóuyǒng.
He can't swim. (never learned)
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
我会打开这个门。
Correct Usage
我能打开这个门。
Opening a specific door is about physical ability or possibility in the moment, not a learned skill. Use 能 for circumstantial ability, 会 for learned skills.
Related Grammar Points
Master 会
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