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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 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 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?
See also
Sources and further reading
- Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 1 (3rd ed) (pp. 219-20) →buy
- New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1) (pp. 160-1, 200) →buy
- New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1)(2nd ed) (pp. 185-7, 228) →buy