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How to Say ‘Can; may’ in Traditional Chinese

可以

kě yǐ

[kuh-yee]

💬 Usage Tip: [可以] can mean either "can" or "may," so it covers both ability and permission depending on context. In a question like [可以取消嗎?], it usually means "Is it okay to cancel?"

Phrase Breakdown

可以

kě yǐ

[kuh-yee]

can; may

Used to express ability or permission.

Example

你可以先問餐廳能不能免費取消。

You can first ask the restaurant whether you can cancel for free.

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