会
can; to know how to; will
huì
What does 会 mean?
会 (huì) is one of the most useful Chinese modal verbs, with two HSK 1 meanings. First, 'to know how to' — a learned skill or ability: 我会说中文 ('I can speak Chinese'), 他会开车 ('he can drive'). Second, 'will / likely to' — future possibility or prediction: 明天会下雨 ('it will rain tomorrow').
Two things matter for English speakers: first, 会 covers only LEARNED abilities — for physical possibility ('I can lift this'), use 能 (néng), and for permission ('you may'), use 可以 (kěyǐ); second, the negative is 不会 (bú huì), 'don't know how' or 'won't.' 会 also appears as a noun meaning 'meeting' (huì) — same character, related to gathering and ability, but the verb usage is what HSK 1 tests.
Note: 会 has two distinct HSK 1 meanings: a learned ability
Character breakdown
to know how; will; meeting; able
Memory hook: Think of 会 as 'have-the-skill-for.' If you've LEARNED it, you 会 it. If you HAVEN'T learned it, 不会.
Example sentences
我会说一点中文。
Wǒ huì shuō yìdiǎn Zhōngwén.
I can speak a little Chinese.
spoken
他会开车。
Tā huì kāichē.
He can drive.
neutral
明天会下雨。
Míngtiān huì xià yǔ.
It will rain tomorrow.
neutral
我不会做饭。
Wǒ bú huì zuòfàn.
I don't know how to cook.
spoken
Common phrases with 会
Synonyms
Don't confuse 会 with
FAQ
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