Dictionary
English - Chinese
Can
kæn
Extremely common
0 - 100
0 - 100
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
能够 (néng gòu), 可以 (kě yǐ), 罐 (guàn), 能够做某事 (néng gòu zuò mǒu shì)
Can meanings in Chinese
能够 (néng gòu)
Example:
I can swim very well.
我游泳游得很好。
Can you help me with this?
你能帮我一下吗？
Usage: informalContext: Used to express ability or capability.
Note: This meaning emphasizes the physical or mental ability to perform a task.
可以 (kě yǐ)
Example:
Can I go to the bathroom?
我可以去洗手间吗？
You can have my book.
你可以拿我的书。
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used to ask for permission or to indicate that something is allowed.
Note: This meaning is often used in polite requests or permissions.
罐 (guàn)
Example:
I bought a can of soda.
我买了一罐汽水。
The soup is in a can.
汤在一个罐子里。
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used to refer to a container, typically made of metal.
Note: This meaning refers to physical containers, often used for food or beverages.
能够做某事 (néng gòu zuò mǒu shì)
Example:
He can play the piano.
他能弹钢琴。
She can speak three languages.
她能说三种语言。
Usage: informalContext: Used to indicate someone's ability to perform an action.
Note: This is a more specific application of the first meaning, focusing on the ability to do something particular.
Can's synonyms
May
May is used to express permission or possibility.
Example: You may leave the room now.
Note: May is more formal and polite compared to can.
Could
Could is the past tense of can and is used to indicate possibility or ability in a polite way.
Example: Could you help me with this task?
Note: Could is more polite and formal than can.
Be able to
Be able to is used to indicate capability or possibility.
Example: I will be able to attend the meeting tomorrow.
Note: Be able to is often used in more formal or professional contexts.
Allowed to
Allowed to is used to indicate permission or authorization.
Example: You are allowed to bring one guest to the event.
Note: Allowed to is more specific in terms of permission compared to can.
Have the ability to
Have the ability to is used to highlight someone's capability or skill.
Example: She has the ability to speak multiple languages.
Note: Have the ability to emphasizes a particular skill or talent.
Can expressions, common phrases
Can't wait
Expresses excitement or anticipation for something in the future.
Example: I can't wait to see you tomorrow!
Note: The original word 'can' is used to indicate ability or permission, while 'can't wait' expresses eagerness.
Can't stand
To strongly dislike or have an intense aversion to something.
Example: I can't stand the hot weather.
Note: While 'can' is about ability, 'can't stand' is about strong feelings of dislike.
Can of worms
Refers to a complicated situation or set of problems that arise when a seemingly simple issue is addressed.
Example: Bringing up that topic opened a whole new can of worms.
Note: This idiom uses 'can' as a metaphorical container for a difficult situation, not related to ability or permission.
Kick the can down the road
To postpone dealing with a problem or making a decision, often leading to further issues later.
Example: They decided to kick the can down the road and delay the decision.
Note: The phrase uses 'can' as a symbol for the issue being avoided, not in the context of ability or permission.
In the can
Refers to something being completed or finished, usually in a satisfactory manner.
Example: The project is in the can, ready for release.
Note: This phrase uses 'can' to mean 'completed' or 'achieved,' not in the sense of ability or permission.
Can do
Indicates a positive and enthusiastic willingness or readiness to tackle challenges.
Example: I have a positive attitude and a can-do spirit.
Note: The phrase 'can do' emphasizes a positive attitude rather than just the ability to do something.
Tin can
A metal container typically used for food or beverages.
Example: He collected old tin cans to recycle them.
Note: While 'can' refers to the ability to do something, 'tin can' is a specific type of container.
Canned response
A pre-prepared or automated response that lacks personalization or genuine engagement.
Example: The customer service representative gave a canned response to my complaint.
Note: This phrase uses 'canned' to mean 'pre-packaged' or 'standardized,' not related to the original meaning of 'can.'
Can everyday (slang) expressions
Canned
Refers to something that is pre-prepared, rehearsed, or lacking originality, often used in the context of responses or speeches.
Example: I don't want to hear any canned responses, I want your honest opinion.
Note: The slang 'Canned' is derived from the idea of something being mass-produced and lackluster, contrasting with fresh or authentic content.
Canoodle
To engage in amorous behavior, hugging, kissing, or showing physical affection, usually in a playful or discreet manner.
Example: I saw them canoodling in the park yesterday.
Note: The slang term 'Canoodle' is more informal and playful compared to 'kissing' or 'being affectionate', often used to convey a sense of intimacy.
Candy-ass
A derogatory term suggesting someone is weak, cowardly, or overly cautious.
Example: Stop being a candy-ass and take some risks for once!
Note: The slang 'Candy-ass' is a harsher and more confrontational way to criticize someone's lack of courage, compared to using milder terms like 'timid' or 'hesitant'.
Cannonball
A type of jump into water where the person holds their body tightly like a ball, common in swimming pools.
Example: Let's take a cannonball into the pool!
Note: The slang 'Cannonball' specifically refers to a particular style of jumping into water, distinct from regular diving or jumping techniques.
Canny
Having shrewdness, astuteness, or a clever ability to assess situations and make advantageous decisions.
Example: She's a canny negotiator, always getting the best deals.
Note: The slang 'Canny' implies a level of intelligence and cunning in one's actions, suggesting a strategic mindset different from simply being 'wise' or 'intuitive'.
Canuck
A slang term referring to a Canadian person, often used affectionately or informally.
Example: The hockey team is filled with talented Canuck players.
Note: The slang 'Canuck' is a colloquial term for Canadians, sometimes used in a lighthearted or friendly manner, different from the more formal 'Canadian'.
Can - Examples
I can swim.
我会游泳。
Can you help me?
你能帮我吗？
She can speak French fluently.
她能流利地说法语。
We can go to the park tomorrow.
我们明天可以去公园。
Can grammar
Can - Auxiliary (Auxiliary) / Modal (Modal)
Lemma: can
Conjugations
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): can
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): could
Syllables, Separation and Stress
Can Contains 1 syllables: can
Phonetic transcription: kən
can , kən (The red syllable is stressed)
Can - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
Can: 0 - 100 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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