Ability with 会 and 能 — Chinese grammar (HSK 1)

Subject + 会 / 能 + Verb

Both 会 (huì) and 能 (néng) translate as "can", but they are not interchangeable. 会 is for learned skills, things you know how to do: speak a language, cook, swim. 能 is about circumstances or permission, whether it is possible for you to do something right now. Negate with 不会 / 不能.

Examples

我会说汉语。 Wǒ huì shuō Hànyǔ.	I can speak Chinese.
他不会做菜。 Tā bù huì zuò cài.	He cannot cook.
你明天能来吗？ Nǐ míngtiān néng lái ma?	Can you come tomorrow?

Tip: Ask yourself "did I learn it?" (会) or "am I able to right now?" (能).