Ability, permission, and plans

Google voice when available; device voice as a fallback. Pinyin shows dictionary tones; natural speech includes the tone changes taught in the lessons.

A learned skill uses 会

会 + verb often describes a learned ability: 会说中文, able to speak Chinese; 会游泳, able to swim. The following verb does not change form.

会 can also express a prediction in other contexts. In this lesson it describes a skill. Decide from context instead of translating every English “can” with the same word.

Circumstances and permission

能 often concerns whether circumstances or capacity allow an action. 明天你能来吗？ asks whether you can make it tomorrow, not whether you have learned the skill of coming.

可以 commonly asks or grants permission: 我可以坐这里吗？ There is overlap among these words in real speech, but these starting contrasts help you choose.

A future time can establish a plan

Mandarin does not need a verb ending for future time. 明天 supplies that context. 我明天去学校 can describe a planned trip to school tomorrow.

想 adds a wish or intention, and 去 introduces going to a place. Distinguish a plan you want to make from a promise that it will happen.

Lesson vocabulary

Listen once, say it aloud, and try to recall the Chinese before looking.

Practice questions

Try every question, then check your answers. Capital letters and punctuation do not affect your score. Pinyin tone marks matter. For typed answers, use simplified characters or the taught pinyin (spacing is flexible).

Showing an answer makes that question a practice item worth zero for this attempt. Retry with the answers hidden when you’re ready. If audio cannot play, use Show answer / text to practice by reading.

Independent practice

These are independent practice tasks. The site does not record your voice, save your writing, or grade open-ended answers. Ask a teacher or conversation partner for feedback when you can.