bù kěyǐ: 不可以 - Cannot, May Not, Not Allowed
Quick Summary
Keywords: bù kěyǐ, 不可以, bu keyi, how to say no in Chinese, cannot in Chinese, not allowed Chinese, may not in Chinese, Chinese permission, Chinese prohibition, denying requests in Chinese, Chinese grammar 不可以 vs 不能.
Summary: “不可以” (bù kěyǐ) is a fundamental and direct phrase in Mandarin Chinese used to deny permission or state that something is not allowed. Essential for beginners, it translates to “may not,” “cannot,” or “not permitted.” This page explores the core meaning of 不可以, its cultural context in setting boundaries, its practical use in daily life, and the crucial differences between similar terms like 不能 (bù néng) and 不行 (bù xíng), helping you understand how to say “no” in Chinese clearly and appropriately.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): bù kěyǐ
Part of Speech: Modal verb phrase
HSK Level: HSK 1
Concise Definition: Expresses that something is not permitted or allowed due to rules, authority, or social conventions.
In a Nutshell: “不可以” is the go-to phrase for saying “You may not” or “It's not allowed.” Think of it as the direct opposite of “可以” (kěyǐ), which means “you may” or “it's okay.” The core of “不可以” is about a lack of permission, not a lack of ability. It's the word a parent uses when a child tries to eat dessert before dinner, or what's written on a sign that says “No Photos.”
Character Breakdown
不 (bù): The primary negative particle in Chinese, meaning “no” or “not.” It negates the word or phrase that follows it.
可 (kě): This character relates to permission, approval, or possibility. It's the “may” or “can” part of the equation.
以 (yǐ): A versatile character that often means “to use” or “by means of.” In this context, it combines with 可 to form the bisyllabic word 可以 (kěyǐ), which means “can,” “may,” or “be permitted to.”
When combined, 不 (not) + 可以 (may/can) literally means “not may,” directly translating to the English concept of “may not” or “not allowed.” It's a straightforward negation of permission.
Cultural Context and Significance
While Chinese culture often favors indirect communication to preserve social harmony (面子, miànzi), “不可以” stands out as a relatively direct and unambiguous refusal. Its usage is deeply tied to social structure and rules (规矩, guīju).
Hierarchical Communication: In situations with a clear power dynamic (parent-child, teacher-student, boss-employee, officer-citizen), “不可以” is used without hesitation. It's not considered rude but rather a clear enforcement of rules and boundaries. The authority figure has the right and responsibility to say “no” clearly.
Comparison to Western Culture: In English, a direct “No, you can't” can sometimes sound harsh. We often soften it with phrases like, “I'm sorry, but that's not possible,” or “I'd rather you didn't.” While Chinese also has softer ways to refuse, “不可以” is a perfectly normal and acceptable way to deny permission, especially when the reason is based on an external rule. The tone of voice plays a huge role in its perceived politeness.
Setting Boundaries: For learners, “不可以” is a powerful tool for setting personal boundaries. Saying “不可以” when someone asks for your personal contact information or tries to cut in line is clear, firm, and socially understood. It doesn't require a long explanation to be valid.
Practical Usage in Modern China
“不可以” is used constantly in everyday life, from casual conversation to official notices.
Establishing Rules and Prohibitions: This is its most common function. You will see and hear it everywhere.
Denying Requests: It's a standard way to refuse a request. For politeness, it's often preceded by “对不起” (duìbuqǐ - sorry) or “不好意思” (bùhǎoyìsi - excuse me).
A: “我可以用一下你的电脑吗？” (Wǒ kěyǐ yòng yīxià nǐ de diànnǎo ma? - Can I use your computer for a moment?)
B: “不好意思，不可以，我现在要用。” (Bùhǎoyìsi, bù kěyǐ, wǒ xiànzài yào yòng. - Sorry, you can't, I need to use it right now.)
Formality and Connotation:
Neutral/Firm: When stated plainly, it's a neutral statement of fact or a firm denial. “这里不可以停车。” (Zhèlǐ bù kěyǐ tíngchē. - You can't park here.)
Softened/Informal: Adding a final particle like `哦 (o)` or `呀 (ya)` can soften the tone considerably, making it sound more like a gentle reminder. “这个不可以碰哦。” (Zhège bù kěyǐ pèng o. - Oh, you're not supposed to touch this.)
Harsh: A sharp, loud “不可以!” is a strong command and can sound very aggressive, similar to shouting “Stop that!” in English.
Example Sentences
Example 1:
妈妈，我可以看电视吗？—— 现在不可以，你得先做完作业。
Pinyin: Māmā, wǒ kěyǐ kàn diànshì ma? — Xiànzài bù kěyǐ, nǐ děi xiān zuò wán zuòyè.
English: “Mom, can I watch TV?” — “Not right now, you have to finish your homework first.”
Analysis: A classic parent-child interaction. The “不可以” is based on a household rule (homework first).
Example 2:
对不起，先生，博物馆里不可以拍照。
Pinyin: Duìbuqǐ, xiānshēng, bówùguǎn lǐ bù kěyǐ pāizhào.
English: Sorry, sir, you are not allowed to take pictures in the museum.
Analysis: A polite but firm statement from an employee enforcing an official rule.
Example 3:
你不可以这样跟老师说话，太没礼貌了。
Pinyin: Nǐ bù kěyǐ zhèyàng gēn lǎoshī shuōhuà, tài méi lǐmào le.
English: You can't speak to the teacher like that, it's too impolite.
Analysis: Here, “不可以” refers to a violation of social norms and etiquette (礼貌 - lǐmào).
Example 4:
虽然我很想帮你，但是公司的规定是不可以的。
Pinyin: Suīrán wǒ hěn xiǎng bāng nǐ, dànshì gōngsī de guīdìng shì bù kěyǐ de.
English: Although I'd love to help you, the company regulations don't allow it.
Analysis: This shows how to refuse by blaming an external rule, which is a common strategy to soften the “no.”
Example 5:
医生说我手术后一个月内不可以喝酒。
Pinyin: Yīshēng shuō wǒ shǒushù hòu yīgè yuè nèi bù kěyǐ hējiǔ.
English: The doctor said I am not allowed to drink alcohol for one month after my surgery.
Analysis: The prohibition comes from an authority figure (a doctor) and is based on a clear instruction for health reasons.
Example 6:
这个秘密你不可以告诉任何人。
Pinyin: Zhège mìmì nǐ bù kěyǐ gàosù rènhé rén.
English: You must not tell this secret to anyone.
Analysis: “不可以” is used here to give a strong, direct command, almost like “you are forbidden.”
Example 7:
小朋友，这个按钮不可以随便按哦。
Pinyin: Xiǎopéngyǒu, zhège ànniǔ bù kěyǐ suíbiàn àn o.
English: Hey little one, you're not supposed to press this button, okay?
Analysis: The final particle “哦 (o)” completely changes the feel of the sentence, making it a gentle, friendly warning rather than a harsh command.
Example 8:
在图书馆里，我们不可以大声说话。
Pinyin: Zài túshūguǎn lǐ, wǒmen bù kěyǐ dàshēng shuōhuà.
English: We are not allowed to speak loudly in the library.
Analysis: A simple statement of a well-known public rule.
Example 9:
你为什么迟到？—— 对不起，因为天气不好，飞机不可以起飞。
Pinyin: Nǐ wèishéme chídào? — Duìbuqǐ, yīnwèi tiānqì bù hǎo, fēijī bù kěyǐ qǐfēi.
English: “Why are you late?” — “Sorry, because the weather was bad, the plane was not permitted to take off.”
Analysis: This is an interesting case. While `不能 (bù néng)` could also work, `不可以` emphasizes the decision by the authorities (air traffic control) to forbid takeoff due to the conditions.
Example 10:
根据法律，未成年人不可以购买香烟。
Pinyin: Gēnjù fǎlǜ, wèi chéngnián rén bù kěyǐ gòumǎi xiāngyān.
English: According to the law, minors are not allowed to purchase cigarettes.
Analysis: A formal example where the prohibition is based on law.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
The biggest mistake learners make is confusing 不可以 (bù kěyǐ) with 不能 (bù néng). They can both be translated as “can't,” but they are not interchangeable.
Common Mistake Example:
Incorrect: 我生病了，所以今天不可以去上学。 (Wǒ shēngbìng le, suǒyǐ jīntiān bù kěyǐ qù shàngxué.)
Why it's wrong: This literally means “I'm sick, so today I am not allowed to go to school.” While that might be true (a doctor forbids it), the more natural meaning is that you are physically unable to go.
Correct: 我生病了，所以今天不能去上学。 (Wǒ shēngbìng le, suǒyǐ jīntiān bù néng qù shàngxué.)
可以 (kěyǐ) - The direct antonym. It means “can,” “may,” or “allowed,” and is used to grant permission or affirm possibility.
不能 (bù néng) - A close but distinct term meaning “cannot” or “unable to.” It refers to a lack of ability or possibility due to circumstances, not a lack of permission.
不行 (bù xíng) - A more colloquial and sometimes more emphatic way to say “no,” “not okay,” or “it won't work.” It's a very common, blunt refusal.
不准 (bù zhǔn) - A stronger, more formal term meaning “to forbid” or “not permitted.” Often used by authorities and in official rules. It carries more weight than “不可以”.
禁止 (jìnzhǐ) - A very formal verb meaning “to prohibit” or “to ban.” You will almost exclusively see this on official signs and in documents, e.g., 禁止停车 (jìnzhǐ tíngchē) - Parking Prohibited.
不好 (bù hǎo) - Literally “not good.” It's a soft, indirect way to refuse a suggestion or invitation. “我们去看电影，好吗？” (Let's go to a movie, okay?) “今天有点累，不好吧。” (I'm a bit tired today, probably not a good idea.)
没办法 (méi bànfǎ) - “There's no way,” “it can't be helped.” Used to express that a situation is impossible to change due to external factors beyond anyone's control.
规矩 (guīju) - The noun for “rules,” “customs,” or “social etiquette.” The concept of `规矩` is the foundation for why something is or is not `可以`.