Modal verbs are an essential part of any language, including Chinese. They play a crucial role in expressing attitudes, obligations, permissions, and abilities. In Mandarin Chinese, there are several modal verbs that learners should become familiar with. In this comprehensive guide, we will introduce and explain the usage of the most common modal verbs in Chinese, along with example sentences to provide a better understanding.
可以 (kěyǐ) – Can/ May
The modal verb 可以 (kěyǐ) is used to express permission or ability. It is equivalent to the English modal verbs “can” or “may.” Here are some example sentences:
你可以坐在这里。(Nǐ kěyǐ zuò zài zhèlǐ.) – You can sit here.
我可以喝一杯水吗？(Wǒ kěyǐ hē yī bēi shuǐ ma?) – May I have a glass of water?
我可以问你一个问题吗？(Wǒ kěyǐ wèn nǐ yī gè wèn tí ma?) – Can I ask you a question?
必须 (bìxū) – Must/ Have to
The modal verb 必须 (bìxū) is used to express necessity or obligation. It is equivalent to the English modal verb “must” or “have to.” Let’s take a look at some example sentences:
我们必须赶快走了。(Wǒmen bìxū gǎnkuài zǒule.) – We must leave quickly.
他必须完成这个任务。(Tā bìxū wánchéng zhège rènwù.) – He has to complete this task.
我们必须准时到达。(Wǒmen bìxū zhǔnshí dàodá.) – We must arrive on time.
应该 (yīnggāi) – Should
The modal verb 应该 (yīnggāi) is used to express advice, suggestion, or expectation. It is equivalent to the English modal verb “should.” Here are some example sentences:
你应该多休息一下。(Nǐ yīnggāi duō xiūxi yīxià.) – You should take a rest.
我们应该关心环境保护。(Wǒmen yīnggāi guānxīn huánjìng bǎohù.) – We should care about environmental protection.
他应该向老师请教。(Tā yīnggāi xiàng lǎoshī qǐngjiào.) – He should seek advice from the teacher.
可能 (kěnéng) – Maybe/ Might
The modal verb 可能 (kěnéng) is used to express possibility or uncertainty. It is equivalent to the English modal verbs “maybe” or “might.” Let’s see some example sentences:
他可能会迟到。(Tā kěnéng huì chídào.) – He might be late.
这个计划可能会失败。(Zhège jìhuà kěnéng huì shībài.) – This plan might fail.
明天可能会下雨。(Míngtiān kěnéng huì xià yǔ.) – It may rain tomorrow.
能 (néng) – Can/ Be able to
The modal verb 能 (néng) is used to express ability or capability. It is equivalent to the English modal verb “can” or “be able to.” Let’s take a look at some example sentences:
我能开车去机场。(Wǒ néng kāichē qù jīchǎng.) – I can drive to the airport.
她能用中文交流。(Tā néng yòng Zhōngwén jiāoliú.) – She can communicate in Chinese.
我们能完成这个任务。(Wǒmen néng wánchéng zhège rènwù.) – We can complete this task.
会 (huì) – Will/ Be able to
The modal verb 会 (huì) is used to express future actions, possibilities, or abilities. It is equivalent to the English modal verbs “will” or “be able to.” Here are some example sentences:
我会帮你的。(Wǒ huì bāng nǐ de.) – I will help you.
他会说很多种语言。(Tā huì shuō hěn duō zhǒng yǔyán.) – He can speak many languages.
我们会成功的。(Wǒmen huì chénggōng de.) – We will succeed.
These are the most common modal verbs in Mandarin Chinese. Learning how to use them correctly will greatly enhance your ability to express various attitudes, obligations, permissions, and abilities in Chinese. Practice using these modal verbs in context, and gradually incorporate them into your everyday conversations to improve your proficiency in the language
Originally posted 2023-07-15 21:44:55.