汉语语法第六讲：助动词 (Zhù Dòngcí) – Auxiliary Verbs

Auxiliary verbs, or “helping verbs,” modify the meaning of main verbs and add grammatical nuances. Here’s a look at some common auxiliary verbs in Chinese:

10. 能 (néng), 会 (huì):

能 (néng): Indicates ability or capability. It implies the potential to perform an action.

Example:

我能说英语 (wǒ néng shuō yīngyǔ) – I can speak English.

会 (huì): Indicates learned ability or skill. It implies mastery of a particular action or knowledge.

Example:

他会弹钢琴 (tā huì tán gāngqín) – He can play the piano (He knows how to play the piano).

11. 可以 (kěyǐ):

可以 (kěyǐ): Indicates permission, possibility, or acceptability. It is often used to express “can,” “may,” or “it is okay to.”

Example:

你可以进来 (nǐ kěyǐ jìnlai) – You may come in.

我可以帮忙 (wǒ kěyǐ bāngmáng) – I can help.

12. 应该 (yīnggāi):

应该 (yīnggāi): Indicates obligation, duty, or expectation. It often translates to “should” or “ought to.”

Example:

你应该早点睡觉 (nǐ yīnggāi zǎodiǎn shuìjiào) – You should go to bed earlier.

我们应该互相帮助 (wǒmen yīnggāi hùxiāng bāngzhù) – We should help each other.

13. 愿意 (yuànyì):

愿意 (yuànyì): Indicates willingness, desire, or readiness to do something. It translates to “be willing to” or “want to.”

Example:

我愿意学习中文 (wǒ yuànyì xuéxí zhōngwén) – I am willing to learn Chinese.

他愿意帮助你 (tā yuànyì bāngzhù nǐ) – He is willing to help you.