A0 · reviewed · real-chinese
可以吗？
？ Is that okay? / Can I?Scene
When to use it
Asking for permission or checking whether a plan works.
Risk
safe
Do not use only 可以吗 when the request itself is unclear. Say the action first, then add 可以吗？
Literal
Can okay question?
This phrase gives beginners a flexible permission check without forcing them into long grammar.
Examples
Say it inside real sentences.
，？ Can I sit here? ，？ Can we meet tomorrow?
Mini dialogue
Hear the social move.
Contrast
Do not blur these together.
Recall prompts
Check whether it survived.
01 · What does 吗 do in 可以吗？
Answer: It turns the statement into a question.
可以 is okay/can; 吗 marks a yes-no question.
02 · How do you ask: Is this okay?
Answer: 可以吗？
Say it with a rising question feel, but do not over-stress every syllable.
03 · Fill the pinyin for 可以吗？
Answer: kě yǐ ma?
Both 可 and 以 carry third-tone spelling; 吗 is neutral tone here.