可以吗
kěyǐ ma
is it okay / may I
可以吗 turns a request into a simple yes-no question. It is one of the most useful beginner patterns for permission and confirmation.
Example sentences
我坐这里可以吗？
Wǒ zuò zhèlǐ kěyǐ ma?
May I sit here?
刷卡可以吗？
Shuākǎ kěyǐ ma?
Is paying by card okay?
How to use 可以吗 in practice
可以吗 is a useful patterns item that is easiest to learn inside a complete sentence. Read it with the pinyin kěyǐ ma, then connect it to the meaning “is it okay / may I” before trying to use it from memory. The examples on this page show the phrase in context: 我坐这里可以吗？ / 刷卡可以吗？.
When you practice 可以吗, do not stop at recognition. Say one example aloud, swap in a new person, place, object, or time word, and then use the phrase in a short answer. This turns a glossary entry into real Mandarin output and exposes word-order or pronunciation mistakes quickly.
Common learner mistake
A common learner mistake is to memorize 可以吗 only as “is it okay / may I” and then translate word by word from English. Instead, learn the whole chunk with the words around it. Notice which nouns, verbs, measure words, or polite markers appear before and after the phrase, and copy that pattern in your own sentence.
Mini practice prompt
Practice prompt: open Chinese speaking practice, start a short conversation, and use 可以吗 naturally in your first or second reply. If the sentence feels awkward, compare it with the examples above and try again with a smaller sentence.
Memory tip: review 可以吗 tomorrow by covering the English meaning, reading only kěyǐ ma, and producing a sentence before checking the examples. Active recall helps this word survive beyond one reading session.
Practice related pages
FAQ
Can 可以吗 stand alone?
Yes. If the context is clear, 可以吗 simply asks whether something is okay.
How can I remember 可以吗 faster?
Say 可以吗 inside a full sentence, change one detail, and repeat it in a realistic prompt. The combination of sound, meaning, and context is stronger than memorizing the translation alone.
Can I use 可以吗 in conversation practice?
Yes. Start with the example sentence, then use 可以吗 in a short AI conversation so you can see whether the surrounding word order and tone feel natural.
Published by AI Chinese Coach