# Can, Know How & May: 会, 能, 可以 in Context

A beginner workbook on the three ways to say "can" in Mandarin, with teacher Mei Lin and her students

Source: https://www.saymei.app/resources/downloads/hui-neng-keyi

## At a glance

- Level: Beginner · HSK 1
- Format: Workbook · PDF · 25 pages · US Letter (prints on A4)
- Price: Free · free with a saymei account · updated Oct 8, 2026

## Download

Free with a SayMei account, on the workbook's page: https://www.saymei.app/resources/downloads/hui-neng-keyi. SayMei emails a copy too.

## A line from the workbook

我会游泳，但是今天不能游。 (Wǒ huì yóuyǒng, dànshì jīntiān bù néng yóu.) — I can swim, but I can't swim today.

## By the end you can

- Talk about skills you have, and don't have, with 会 and 不会
- Say what you can or can't do today with 能 and 不能
- Ask for, give and politely refuse permission with 可以

## What's inside

- Day 1: Learn: 会: Skills You Have Learned · Practice: Skills Check: 会 and 不会
- Day 2: Learn: 能: Able to, Here and Now · Practice: Able or Not? Practise 能
- Day 3: Learn: 可以: Asking Permission · Practice: May I? Permission Practice
- Day 4: Learn: 会 or 能? Skill or Situation · Practice: Skill or Situation? Practice
- Story 1: Lin Hao Can't Swim Today · Practice: Story 1: Check Your Reading
- Day 5: Learn: 能 or 可以? Favours and Rules · Practice: Favours, Rules and Ideas
- Day 6: Learn: Yes-No Questions, Short Answers · Practice: Mixed Practice: 会, 能 or 可以?
- Story 2: Xiaoyu's New Café Job · Practice: Story 2: Check Your Reading
- Reference: 会, 能, 可以 at a Glance
- Cards: Cut-Out Review Cards
- Review: Review: Friday Night Singing

## Who it's for

Beginners who know a little Mandarin and want to use it in real conversations.

## Is this workbook free?

Yes. The whole 25-page PDF is free, and the first two pages are on this page to look at before you download. There's no card and nothing to pay.

## Do I need a SayMei account?

Yes, to download the PDF, and the account is free: sign up with Google, Apple or your email address. With it we email you a copy of the workbook, keep every workbook you download on your account on all your devices, save your place in the free online practice, and you can take a free lesson with Mei Lin, SayMei's AI tutor.

## How do I print it?

The PDF is US Letter size. On A4 paper, choose "Fit to page" (or "Scale to fit") in the print dialog so nothing is cut off. Print the whole workbook or only the pages you need; colour looks best, and black and white works too.

## Can I print copies for my class?

Yes. Print as many copies as you like for your own class or family. To share it, send this page: everyone can download their own copy.

Version 2026-10, updated Oct 8, 2026.