32.3 The Modal Verb 可以 ho2 ji5 (‘can’)

The modal verb 可以 ho2 ji5 means ‘can’. We use it to indicate it is possible for someone to do an activity, or someone is allowed to do an activity. We put a verb for the activity after 可以 ho2 ji5.

We put 唔 m4 (‘not’) before 可以 ho2 ji5 to negate 可以 ho2 ji5.

We use the X-not-X construction to form yes-no questions with 可以 ho2 ji5. Notice X will be 可以 ho2 ji5 instead of the verb behind it.

We can contract 可唔可以 ho2 m4 ho2 ji5 to可摸耳 / 可摸以 ho2 mo2 ji5. Notice we don’t usually use the written form 可摸耳 / 可摸以 unless we try to be funny.

To answer the question, we can give a long answer or a short answer. We give a short answer more often. We form a short answer by omitting the subject, the verb after 可以 and the object in the long answer.

For negative answers, we usually explain the reason instead.

We also often use 可唔可以 ho2 m4 ho2 ji5 to make a polite request. To accept a request, we can say 好呀 hou2 aa3 or 可以呀 ho2 ji5 aa3. To refuse a request, we usually explain the reason for refusal.