could background

could

/kʊd/ /kəd/

Illustration could - Image 1

Illustration could - Image 2

verb

可以，能够.

(modal auxiliary verb, defective) May; to be permitted or enabled to.

Examples :

"My teacher said I could retake the test if I studied hard. "

我的老师说如果我努力学习，我可以重考。

grammar possibility language essential

Illustration could - Image 1

Illustration could - Image 2

verb

可能，可以。

(modal auxiliary verb, defective) To have the potential to; be possible.

Examples :

"Animals can experience emotions."

动物可能会有情绪。

possibility ability grammar language essential

Illustration could - Image 1

verb

能，可以。

(auxiliary verb, defective) Used with verbs of perception.

Examples :

"Can you hear that?."

你能听到那个吗？

grammar language essential

Illustration could - Image 1

verb

可能，可以。

Examples :

"My teacher could the answer to the difficult math problem. "

我的老师知道这道难数学题的答案。

ability language word essential

Illustration could - Image 1

Illustration could - Image 2

noun

可能性，潜在性。

Something that could happen, or could be the case, under different circumstances; a potentiality.

Examples :

"A promotion at work is a definite possibility, but the could of getting it depends on meeting specific performance targets. "

升职是确定的可能性，但获得升职的潜在性取决于是否达到特定的绩效目标。

possibility condition essential