How to use the Chinese phrase "能不能" in sentence

 The Chinese phrase "能不能" (néng bù néng) is a very common and useful way to form a yes-or-no question. It directly translates to "can or cannot" or "able to or not able to." It is a shorthand way of asking, "Is it possible for you to...?" or "Can you...?"

Basic Structure

The basic structure is:

Subject + 能不能 + Verb + Object?

Let's break down how to use it with some examples.

Examples

1. Asking about ability or possibility:

This is the most direct and common use. You are asking if someone is capable of doing something or if a certain action is possible.

• Example 1: Asking if someone can come.

  • 你能不能来？

  • Nǐ néng bù néng lái?

  • (Can you come?)

• Example 2: Asking if something can be done.

  • 这个电脑能不能修好？

  • Zhège diànnǎo néng bù néng xiūhǎo?

  • (Can this computer be fixed?)

2. Making a polite request or asking for permission:

"能不能" can be used to make a polite, yet direct, request. It's similar to "Could you please...?" or "Is it possible for you to...?"

• Example 3: Asking someone to open the door.

  • 你能不能帮我开门？

  • Nǐ néng bù néng bāng wǒ kāi mén?

  • (Could you please help me open the door?)

• Example 4: Asking for a discount.

  • 这件衣服能不能便宜一点？

  • Zhè jiàn yīfu néng bù néng piányi yīdiǎn?

  • (Can this piece of clothing be a little cheaper? / Could you give a discount on this clothing?)

3. Expressing a suggestion or a challenge:

In certain contexts, "能不能" can be used to suggest that someone should try to do something, especially when you are slightly skeptical or challenging them.

• Example 5: Expressing a challenge.

  • 你能不能一次把话说清楚？

  • Nǐ néng bù néng yīcì bǎ huà shuō qīngchu?

  • (Can you just say what you mean clearly for once?)

  • Note: The tone here is a bit more pointed, implying the person is not good at speaking clearly.

Common Variations and Related Phrases

• Alternative forms:

  • You can also form the same type of question by adding "吗" (ma) at the end, but "能不能" is more common for this type of question.

    • 你能来吗？ (Nǐ néng lái ma?) - Can you come?

  • The phrase "可不可以" (kě bù kěyǐ) is very similar and can often be used interchangeably with "能不能." "可不可以" tends to have a slightly softer, more polite tone, often used when asking for permission.

    • 我可不可以进来？

    • Wǒ kě bù kěyǐ jìnlái?

    • (May I come in?)

Summary

In short, "能不能" is a versatile and common phrase to ask a yes-or-no question about possibility, ability, or to make a polite request. It is a powerful phrase for forming questions in spoken Chinese.