Expressing a Learned Skill with “会 (huì)”

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

The word 会 (huì) in Mandarin Chinese is used to express an ability that has been learned, such as speaking a language or performing a specific task. This blog will provide a detailed explanation of how to use 会 (huì) in Chinese grammar, with examples, pronunciation guides, and humor to make learning fun.

Basic Usage

Structure: Subject + 会 + Verb + Object.

This structure is used to express various skills or abilities, ranging from languages to daily life skills like cooking or driving.

Examples:

1. 他 会 说 中文。
   
   Tā huì shuō Zhōngwén.
   
   He can speak Chinese.
   
   वह चीनी बोल सकता है।
2. 我 会 写 汉字。
   Wǒ huì xiě Hànzì.
   I can write Chinese characters.
   मुझे चीनी अक्षर लिखना आता है।
3. 你 会 做饭 吗？
   
   Nǐ huì zuòfàn ma?
   
   Can you cook food?
   
   क्या आप खाना पकाना जानते हैं?

Negating 会 (huì) Sentences

Structure: To negate 会 (huì) sentences, use 不 (bù) before 会 (huì):

Subject + 不 + 会 + Verb + Object.

Due to a tone change rule for “不” (bù), the phrase “不会” (bù huì) is pronounced as “bú huì.”

Examples:

1. 我 不会 说 英文。
   
   Wǒ bù huì shuō Yīngwén.
   
   I can’t speak English.
   
   मैं अंग्रेज़ी नहीं बोल सकता।
2. 妈妈 不会 做 中国 菜。
   
   Māma bù huì zuò Zhōngguó cài.
   
   Mom can’t cook Chinese food.
   
   माँ चीनी खाना नहीं बना सकती।
3. 你 不会 游泳 吗？
   
   Nǐ bù huì yóuyǒng ma?
   
   You can’t swim?
   
   तुम तैरना नहीं जानते?

Grammar Explanation in English and Hindi

Using 会 (huì):

• Hindi: क्रिया 会 (huì) का उपयोग सीखी हुई क्षमताओं या कौशल को व्यक्त करने के लिए किया जाता है। यह संरचना का पालन करता है: विषय + 会 + क्रिया + वस्तु।
• English: The verb 会 (huì) is used to express learned skills or abilities. It follows the structure: Subject + 会 + Verb + Object.

Exception

While 会 (huì) is used to express learned skills, it cannot be used to express the possibility of something happening, which is expressed using 能 (néng).