{{Grammar Box}} The word 会 (huì) can be used to express an ability that has been learned (a skill). In this case 会 (huì) is an [[auxiliary verb]]. == Basic Usage == === Structure ===
Subj. + 会 + Verb + Obj.
This structure is the easiest way to express all kinds of skills, from languages, to sports, to skills in daily life such as cooking and driving. === Examples ===
* 他 会 说 中文。Tā huì shuō Zhōngwén.He can speak Chinese. * 我 会 写 汉字。Wǒ huì xiě Hànzì.I can write Chinese characters. * 你 会 做饭 吗？Nǐ huì zuòfàn ma?Can you cook food？ * 狗 会 唱 歌 吗？Gǒu huì chànggē ma?Can dogs sing？ * 爸爸 会 开车。Bàba huì kāichē. Dad can drive.
== Negating 会 (huì) Sentences == === Structure === 会 (huì) sentences are [[Standard negation with "bu"|negated with 不 (bù)]], which is inserted in front of 会 (huì):
Subj. + 不 + 会 + Verb + Obj.
Again, this is the simplest way to express the lack of a learned ability. So while "can't" is a natural translation for "不会" (bù huì) in English, "don't know how to" is equally correct (and perhaps more helpful). Also, due to a [http://resources.allsetlearning.com/chinese/pronunciation/Tone_change_rules tone change rule] for "不" (bù), the phrase "不会" (bù huì) is actually pronounced "bú huì." === Examples ===
* 我 不会 说 英文。 Wǒ bù huì shuō Yīngwén.I can't speak English. * 妈妈 不会 做 中国 菜。Māma bù huì zuò Zhōngguó cài.Mom can't cook Chinese food. * 你 不会 游泳 吗？ Nǐ bù huì yóuyǒng ma?You can't swim? * 我 奶奶 不会 用 电脑。Wǒ nǎinai bù huì yòng diànnǎo.My grandmother can't use a computer. * 你 不会 开车 吗？Nǐ bù huì kāichē ma?You can't drive a car?
Note that if we say 我不能说中文 (wǒ bù néng shuō Zhōngwén), the speaker is saying that he can't speak Chinese [[Expressing ability or possibility with "neng"|for some reason other than his own ability]], perhaps because speaking Chinese in English class is forbidden. ==See also== *[[Expressing ability or possibility with "neng"]] == Sources and further reading == * [[Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 1 (3rd ed)]] (pp. 219-20) [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0887276385/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=allset-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=0887276385 →buy] * [[New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1)]] (pp. 160-1, 200) [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/7561910401/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=allset-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=7561910401 →buy] * [[New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1)(2nd ed)]] (pp. 185-7, 228) [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/7561926235/ref%3das_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=allset-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=7561926235 →buy] [[Category:A1 grammar points]] {{Used for|Expressing ability}} {{Basic Grammar|会|A1|会 + Verb|他 会 说 中文 。|grammar point|ASGRHM0E}} {{Similar|Expressing ability or possibility with "neng"}} {{Similar|Auxiliary verb "hui" for "will"}} {{POS|Verbs}} {{Subprop|Auxiliary verbs}} {{Translation|Can}} {{Translation|Able}}