可以【kěyǐ】

可以 is about permission. It asks or grants, rather than describing what someone is capable of.

可以, 能 and 会

Three English "cans", three 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

Refusing permission

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

可以 as "fine, acceptable"

On its own, 可以 answers a question or rates something as adequate.

Making a suggestion