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How to Say ‘Can’ in Simplified Chinese

可以

💬 Usage Tip: It functions both as a standalone verb and as a part of longer phrases to express capability.

🇨🇳 In China: Commonly used to give or ask for permission in various settings.

Word-by-Word Breakdown

可以

[kě yǐ]

can; okay; allowed

Used to say something is possible/acceptable. As a reply: 可以 (“Sure/OK”).

Example

可以,把牛肉做成红烧的也行。

Sure—making the beef braised in soy sauce is also fine.

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