Hui vs Neng in Chinese: Ability, Possibility, or Permission?

会 often points to learned ability or future likelihood, while 能 often points to practical ability, possibility, or permission.

The Fast Rule

Use 会 when the sentence points to something you learned, like speaking Chinese or driving. Use 能 when the sentence points to whether something is possible right now, allowed, or supported by the situation.

That does not remove every overlap, but it gives you the right default most of the time.

When to Use 会

• 我会说中文: learned ability.
• 他明天会来: future likelihood.
• 她会游泳: skill gained through learning or experience.

会 usually reads like something you know how to do already, or something the future is likely to bring.

When to Use 能

• 今天我不能去: conditions or ability do not allow it.
• 你能进来吗: permission or practical possibility.
• 修好了以后就能用了: the condition changes, so the action becomes possible.

能 usually sounds closer to the actual situation in front of you.

Where They Overlap

Some ability sentences can accept either form, but the nuance changes. 会 leans toward learned competence, while 能 leans toward whether the situation actually allows success.

Common Errors

• Using 会 for permission requests when 能 sounds more natural.
• Using 能 for learned skills when 会 gives the clearer meaning.
• Assuming both words are interchangeable because English often uses only "can."

Check 会 and 能 in the dictionary, then move to the quiz hub when you want active practice.