# Mandarin Chinese: Asking Permission (可以...吗?)

Difficulty: beginner

可以 (kěyǐ) means 'can' or 'may'. To ask for permission, use the structure 可以 + Verb + 吗? For example, 我可以坐这里吗? (Can I sit here?). 这里 is 'here', 那里 is 'there'.

## Related Vocabulary

| Word | Pronunciation | Meaning |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [坐](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/sit.md) | /zuò/ | Sit |
| [这里](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/here.md) | /zhè lǐ/ | Here |
| [那里](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/there.md) | /nà lǐ/ | There |
| [可以](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/canmay.md) | /kě yǐ/ | Can/May |

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is "Asking Permission (可以...吗?)" in Mandarin Chinese?

可以 (kěyǐ) means 'can' or 'may'. To ask for permission, use the structure 可以 + Verb + 吗? For example, 我可以坐这里吗? (Can I sit here?). 这里 is 'here', 那里 is 'there'.

### Is this grammar topic for beginners?

This topic is at the beginner level. It is a great starting point for new learners.

## Related Grammar Topics

- [Asking Prices with 多少](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/grammar/asking-prices-with.md) (beginner)
- [去 + Place](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/grammar/place.md) (beginner)
- [The Four Tones](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/grammar/the-four-tones.md) (beginner)

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