🗣️ Say This Instead: “行 / 没问题 / 好的” (xíng / méi wèntí / hǎo de)

Want to sound more native? Start here.

🚫 Textbook Chinese

可以 (kěyǐ) = can / may / okay

It’s technically correct… but sounds a bit too formal or stiff in casual conversations.

If someone says:

- “你可以帮我吗？(Nǐ kěyǐ bāng wǒ ma?)”

And you answer:

- “可以。(Kěyǐ.)”

It feels distant — like you’re giving permission, not just casually saying “sure.”

✅ Real Chinese

Native speakers often say:

• 行 (xíng) – OK / Sure

• 没问题 (méi wèntí) – No problem

• 好的 (hǎo de) – Alright / OK

These feel more friendly, relaxed, and natural in everyday talk.

🔍 Break It Down

• 行 (xíng) → simple, direct, super common

• 没问题 (méi wèntí) → reassures the other person

• 好的 (hǎo de) → polite and agreeable

💡When to Use Them

Use these casual expressions instead of formal “可以 (kěyǐ)” when someone is asking for:

✅ A favor – When someone asks you to help them do something.

Example:

- “能帮我一下吗？” (Néng bāng wǒ yíxià ma?) – Can you help me for a second?

- “没问题！” (Méi wèntí!) – No problem!

✅ A plan – When you’re agreeing to go somewhere or do something.

Example:

- “七点出发行吗？” (Qī diǎn chūfā xíng ma?) – Is 7 o’clock okay for departure?

- “行！” (Xíng!) – Sure!

✅ A confirmation – When someone checks if something is okay with you.

Example:

- “我晚上给你打电话，好吗？” (Wǒ wǎnshàng gěi nǐ dǎ diànhuà, hǎo ma?) – Can I call you tonight?

- “好的！” (Hǎo de!) – Okay!

These replies are short, friendly, and natural — perfect for real-life Chinese conversation.

🧱 Example Sentences

1. - 我们周五见面，可以吗？

(Wǒmen zhōuwǔ jiànmiàn, kěyǐ ma?)

Can we meet on Friday?

- “行！” 

(Xíng!) 

Sure!

2. - 我可以用一下你的手机吗？

(Wǒ kěyǐ yòng yíxià nǐ de shǒujī ma?)

Can I use your phone for a second?

- 没问题！

(Méi wèntí!)

No problem!

3. - 你下午三点有空吗？我想聊一聊。

(Nǐ xiàwǔ sān diǎn yǒu kòng ma? Wǒ xiǎng liáo yì liáo.)

Are you free at 3pm? I’d like to talk.

- 好的。

(Hǎo de.)

Okay.

🤓 Why It Sounds Better

• Feels more natural and friendly

• Matches the way people speak in real life

• Makes you sound like someone used to real conversation — not just classroom language

⚠️ Common Mistake

🚫 Always replying with “可以。(Kěyǐ.)”

It’s OK, but it’s not what people usually say in relaxed conversation.

Switch it up with 行 (xíng) / 没问题 (méi wèntí) / 好的 (hǎo de) to sound more natural.

🏆 Quick Practice

Q: 你能帮我开一下门吗？

(Nǐ néng bāng wǒ kāi yíxià mén ma?)

Can you open the door for me?

Which answer sounds better?

A. 可以。(Kěyǐ.)

B. 没问题！(Méi wèntí!)、

✅ Correct Answer: B – It’s casual, warm, and sounds like how real people talk.

✨ Final Thoughts

“可以 (kěyǐ)” is safe — but if you want to blend in with real Chinese conversations, try:

👉 行 (xíng)

👉 没问题 (méi wèntí)

👉 好的 (hǎo de)

They’re short, simple, and perfectly natural.

🔎 Want more real-life Chinese tips? Check out the full blog series: Real-Life Chinese