The Usage of 會(huì): Describing Abilities and Future Events in Chinese

Welcome to your next exploration into the world of Chinese vocabulary. In this article, we will examine two vital and diverse uses of the modal word 會(huì). While it is commonly used to describe innate skills or proficiency, it also doubles as a powerful tool to describe the future tense in Chinese.

The word 會(huì) is a modal word that comes before a verb and shows possibility and ability. It can also mean something will happen in the future.

Subject + 會 + Verb + ……

e.g.

The whole valley will be there.山谷的村民都會去。(Shāngǔ de cūnmín dōu huì qù.)

Will you help me solve this math problem?你會幫我解決這個數(shù)學題嗎？(Nǐ huì bāng wǒ jiějué zhège shùxué tí ma?)

I will finish reading this book by the end of the week.我會在這周結束之前讀完這本書。(Wǒ huì zài zhèzhōu jiéshù zhī qián dú wán zhè běn shū.)

Negative form:

When we want to say something won’t happen or is impossible, we use 不會 (bú huì).

Subject + 不會 + Verb + ……

I won’t go to his home to have a meal.我不會去他家吃飯的。(Wǒ bú huì qù tā jiā chīfàn de.)

They won’t attend the meeting tomorrow due to a scheduling conflict.他們明天不會參加會議，因為時間安排有沖突。(Tāmen míngtiān bú huì cānjiā huìyì, yīnwèi shíjiān ānpái yǒu chōngtū.)

Without your reminder, he would not have completed this project so well.沒有你的提醒，這個項目他不會完成得這么好。(Méiyǒu nǐ de tíxǐng, zhège xiàngmù tā bú huì wánchéng de zhème hǎo.)

In Chinese, we can use the word 會(huì) to talk about natural abilities or skills acquired through learning and knowledge.

會 + Verb

e.g.

Did you get this skill now?這個技巧，你會了嗎？(Zhège jìqiǎo, nǐ huìle ma?)

After three years of studying, I can speak Chinese.通過三年的學習，我會說漢語了。(Tōngguò sān nián de xuéxí, wǒ huì shuō hànyǔle.)

I can’t swim because I’m afraid of water.我不會游泳，因為我怕水。(Wǒ bú huì yóuyǒng, yīnwèi wǒ pà shuǐ.)

Exception:

However, there is an exception. Sometimes, we use 會(huì) as a verb to mean “be acquainted with” or “know well.” In this case, we can directly add 會(huì) to a noun.

會 + Noun

e.g.

He knows Chinese.他會漢語。(Tā huì hàn yǔ.)

I can bike, but not motorcycle.我會自行車，但是不會摩托車。(Wǒ huì zìxíngchē, dànshì bú huì mótuō chē.)

Can you do latin dance? I can dance ballet. Let’s learn from each other!你會拉丁舞嗎？我會芭蕾舞。我們互相學習吧！(Nǐ huì lādīng wǔ ma? Wǒ huì bālěiwǔ. Wǒmen hù xiàng xuéxí ba!)

In Chinese, we have two more verbs used to express abilities.

能 (néng) is used to talk about physical abilities or the capability to perform certain actions without hindrance.

e.g.

She can run fast, don’t underestimate her.她能跑得很快，別小看她。(Tā néng pǎo de hěn kuài, bié xiǎo kàn tā.)

Can you take the first place in this test?這次考試你能考第一嗎？(Zhè cì kǎoshì nǐ néng kǎo dì yī ma?)

Can you please stop talking?你能不能別說話？(Nǐ néng bùnéng bié shuōh(huán)uà?)

可以 (kě yǐ) is sometimes used to describe abilities based on knowledge or physical capabilities. However, its primary usage is to indicate permission to perform an action.

e.g.

Can I go to the restroom?我可以去洗手間嗎？(Wǒ kěyǐ qù xǐshǒujiān ma?)

You can go to the bathroom upstairs.你可以去樓上的洗手間。(Nǐ kěyǐ qù lóu shàng de xǐshǒujiān.)

Sorry, no smoking here.不好意思，這里不可以抽煙。(Bù hǎoyìsi, zhèlǐ bù kěyǐ chōuyān.)

In Chinese culture, there is a saying: 融會貫通 (róng huì guàn tōng), which means achieving mastery through a comprehensive study of a subject.

From its ability to convey future possibilities to its role in showcasing expertise and familiarity, 會(huì) has proven to be an indispensable daily word. Through our overview in this article, we’ve reviewed the proper usage of this word as well as similar modal verbs, such as 能(néng) and 可以(kě yǐ). These essential terms can have a major impact on your ability to communicate effectively. Try incorporating them into your daily conversations and see how it unlocks a new level of proficiency. Keep exploring, keep learning!