可以【kěyǐ】

可以 before a verb is mostly about permission: it asks for it or grants it.

可以, 能 and 会

English has one "can" where these three ask different questions:

• 会 – did you learn it? 我会开车
• 能 – does the situation allow it? 我今天不能开车
• 可以 – are you permitted? 这儿可以开车吗

In requests 可以 and 能 overlap: 我可以进来吗 and 我能进来吗 both ask to come in.

Refusing permission

不可以 is a flat no and sounds strict, the way a sign does. 不能 is the everyday refusal.

On its own, 可以 answers a request with "sure", or rates something as adequate.

可以 also makes a suggestion.