MANDARIN SENTENCE PATTERN
Want, can, and know how
Choose 想, 要, 会, 能, or 可以 for the meaning you need.
Subject + modal verb + action
想 can express a wish or intention; 要 can express wanting or a stronger intention. 会 often describes a learned ability, 能 an ability or possibility in the circumstances, and 可以 permission or acceptability.
These words have more uses than these initial contrasts. Pay attention to the surrounding situation and learn complete examples.
Examples
我想喝水。
I would like to drink some water.
她会说中文。
She can speak Chinese.
我可以坐这里吗？
May I sit here?
Keep in mind
An English can does not always translate to the same Mandarin modal.