22
The modal verb 能: can (possible, allowed)
From the lesson “My father also works at a hospital”
Structure
Subject + 能 / 不能 + Verb
能愿动词“能”位于动词前，表示有能力、有条件或可能做某事。 能 before a verb says that you are able to do something because conditions allow it: 下午两点你能到吗？ (Can you make it at 2 pm?). The negative is 不能.
Examples
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下午两点你能到吗？
Xiàwǔ liǎng diǎn nǐ néng dào ma?
Can you get there at 2 pm?
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爸爸能去。
Bàba néng qù.
Dad can go.
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我不能去学校吃午饭。
Wǒ bù néng qù xuéxiào chī wǔfàn.
I can't go to school for lunch.