VOA一分钟英语：情态动词 “can” 的三种用法

情态动词 “can” 的用法多样，通常被译为 “能、可以、会”。“Can” 除了可以表示 “能力” 以外，还有哪些用法？
 
Welcome back to English in a Minute. I’m James and today we’re going to talk about a word with lots of different uses – can.

"I can play the guitar." This is the first way that we can use can to talk about ability. For example, I can speak Spanish, but I can’t fly.
Let's look at another use of can. "Can I open the window, Elly? No you can’t! It’s too cold! Oh, OK." In this example, can is used to ask for or give permission to do something. "Can I go for lunch, Elly? Yes, of course you can, James! Oh, thank you."
"Learning a language can be difficult." In this final example, can is used to talk about possibility. "Elly, take a jacket! It can get cold at night! OK, thanks James." This means sometimes it is cold but sometimes it isn’t.
So, there we have it. Can can be used for ability, permission and possibility. Now, you can use can, too. See you next time!
 
用法总结
1 We can use can to talk about ability.
用 “can” 表 “能力”。
I can play the guitar
I can speak Spanish, but I can’t fly.
 
2 We can use can to ask for or give permission to do something.
用 “can” 表 “请求或给予许可”。
Can I open the window, Elly?
No, you can’t! It’s too cold!
Can I go for lunch, Elly?
Yes, of course you can, James!
 
3 We can use can to talk about possibility.
用 “can” 表 “可能性”。
Learning a language can be difficult.
Elly, take a jacket! It can get cold at night!