🧐 能 néng vs. 会 huì – What’s the Difference?

These two words both mean something like “can” or “be able to” — but they are not the same! 

Let’s see how to use them correctly.👇

🔍  Breakdown

🟡 会 (huì) = Know how to do something (a learned skill)

• Use 会 when you’ve learned how to do something.

• E.g. swimming, speaking Chinese, cooking ...

• 🧠 Think of it as “I’ve learned how to do this.”

🟢 能 (néng) = Can / Be able to (because of the situation)

• Use 能 when you’re talking about the possibility or permission to do something

• Often related to time, situation, or physical ability.

• 🧠 Think of it as “Am I able to do this?”

💬  Easy Examples

✅ 会 (huì)

• 我会说中文。Wǒ huì shuō Zhōngwén。

• 👉🏼 I can speak Chinese.
• 💡 I’ve learned it.

• 她会游泳。Tā huì yóuyǒng。

• 👉🏼 She can swim.

• 💡 She knows how to swim.

• 我不会做饭。Wǒ bú huì zuòfàn。

• 👉🏼 I can’t cook.
• 💡 I don't know how to cook.

✅  能 (néng)

• 我今天不能来上课。Wǒ jīntiān bù néng lái shàngkè。

• 👉🏼 I can’t come to class today.
• 💡 Not possible.

• 他现在能走路了。Tā xiànzài néng zǒulù le。

• 👉🏼 He can walk now.

• 💡 He’s physically able to walk now.

• 你能帮我吗？Nǐ néng bāng wǒ ma?

• 👉🏼 Can you help me? 
• 💡 Is it possible or are you able to?

💡  Quick Summary

🎯  Interactive Practice

Choose the correct word: 能 (néng) or 会 (huì)

1. 我___开车。(Wǒ ___ kāichē。)

• 👉🏻 I can drive.

• ✅ Correct answer: 会 (huì) - I’ve learned how to drive.

2. 今天我不___去工作。(Jīntiān wǒ bù ___ qù gōngzuò。)

• 👉🏻 I can’t go to work today.

• ✅ Correct answer: 能 (néng) - It is about possibility.

3. 她___说英文。(Tā ___ shuō Yīngwén。)

• 👉🏻 She can speak English.

• ✅ Correct answer: 会 (huì)– Speaking English is a learned skill.

🚀 Final Tip

• 📌 Use 会 when you’ve learned how to do something.

• 📌 Use 能 when the situation allows it — or doesn’t.

With just a little practice, you’ll start using them naturally! 💪😊