May I, at the counter
Use 可以 to ask what's allowed or possible at a counter, and tell it apart from 識 (know how to) and 會 (will, able)
Use 可以 to ask what's allowed or possible at a counter, and tell it apart from 識 (know how to) and 會 (will, able). Work through clear examples, then lock it in with interactive Cantonese practice in the YumCha app.
May I, at the counter
Getting things done at a counter means asking what's allowed. To check whether something is **possible** or **permitted**, lead with **can** and close with a **question word**: a polite way to ask before you act. Keep it apart from **know how to** and **will be able to**, which sound similar in English but are different words.
Can I? Asking what's allowed
可唔可以 + verb + 呀？ → 可以 (yes) / 唔可以 (no)
可以 means “can” in the sense of “may”, allowed or possible. To ask if something is permitted, split it into the yes-no form 可唔可以 and add 呀 at the end: 我可唔可以喺度交錢呀? Then answer 可以 for yes or 唔可以 for no. Don't reach for 識 or 會 here: 識 means “know how to” (a learned skill, like 識游水), and 會 means “will” or “be able to” down the line. At a counter you are asking permission, so the word is 可以.
Can I pay here? (is it allowed)
Yes you can, by card or by cash, either works.
Excuse me, may I make an appointment?
No you can't, you have to queue for a number first.
She knows how to use the Octopus card, but doesn't know if she can top up here.
You can ask now
To check what's allowed at a counter, lead with **can** and close with the **question word**, then answer with a plain **yes** or **no can**. Save **know how to** for a skill and **will be able to** for the future: when you're asking permission, the word is always **can**.
Frequently asked questions
Is the May I, at the counter lesson free?
Yes. This Cantonese lesson is free to read online, with romanization and meanings for every word. In the YumCha app, your first lesson is free to try, and vocabulary practice, flashcards, and the dictionary stay free. A subscription unlocks the full interactive lesson path.
What romanization is used?
Both Jyutping and Yale, and you can switch between them. The romanization sits above every word, so you always know the pronunciation.
Do I need to read Chinese characters to start?
No. Romanization sits above every character and audio plays each word, so you can start speaking from your first lesson.