我会说
wǒ huì shuō
I can speak · trad. 我會說
我会说 (wǒ huì shuō) is the most common way to say 'I can speak' in Mandarin Chinese, particularly when referring to the ability to speak a language or to speak in general (e.g., after being silent).
When to use it
Neutral. It's widely used in everyday conversations. To specify a language, add it after 说, like 我会说汉语 (I can speak Chinese). For the negative, use 我不会说 (wǒ bù huì shuō), 'I cannot speak.' While 能 (néng) also means 'can,' 会 (huì) is preferred for learned skills like speaking a language.
How to pronounce it
Sounds like 'wuh HWAY shwor.' The 'wuh' is a third tone, 'HWAY' is a fourth tone, and 'shwor' is a first tone. The third tone on 我 often dips and rises.
Other ways to say it
- 我会说汉语wǒ huì shuō hàn yǔI can speak Chinese
- 我能说wǒ néng shuōI am able to speak (implies physical ability or permission)
- 我不会说wǒ bú huì shuōI cannot speak
Examples
你会说英语吗？
nǐ huì shuō yīng yǔ ma ？
Can you speak English?
我会说一点点汉语。
wǒ huì shuō yì diǎn diǎn hàn yǔ 。
I can speak a little Chinese.
对不起，我不会说。
duì bù qǐ ， wǒ bú huì shuō 。
Sorry, I can't speak.
Pro tip: 会 (huì) is used for learned abilities or skills (like speaking a language), while 能 (néng) is for physical ability or permission. For language proficiency, always use 会.
Related phrases
和平 · Peace钱 · Money闭嘴 · Shut up
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