How to Say ‘Can or cannot’ in Simplified Chinese
能不能
néng bù néng
[néng bù néng]
💬 Usage Tip: 能不能 is a common softer way to ask for something: literally can or can't, but it works like could you...?. You can use the pattern with many verbs: 能不能等一下, 能不能便宜一点.
Phrase Breakdown
能不能
néng bù néng
[néng bù néng]
can or cannot
Used to ask for permission or possibility.
你能不能帮忙？
Can you help?
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