Grammar Point:
In Chinese, the character 会 huì can have two main functions: indicating capability or skill (can) and indicating future actions (will).
Skill (can)
会 huì emphasizes a skill that you have learned or been trained to do. It refers to the ability to do something that has been acquired through training or education, and is often used to describe skills, such as speaking a language or playing a musical instrument. It is more like “knowing how to do something.“
我會開車我会开车
I can drive
(I know how to drive.)
我不會說中文我不会说中文
I can’t (don’t) speak Chinese.
(Because I didn’t learn it.)
不會打籃球我不会打篮球
I don’t know how to play basketball.
那孩子還不會走路那孩子还不会走路
That child still can’t walk.
(Because he is too young to learn how to walk.)
你會不會寫你的中文名字?你会不会写你的中文名字?
Can you write your Chinese name?
他只會抱怨,不會做事他只会抱怨,不会做事
He only knows how to complain and doesn’t know how to get things done.
Future actions (will)
This is not a matter of your willingness or decision, it is simply a statement about a future fact.
我明年會去上海工作我明年会去上海工作
I will be working in Shanghai next year.
(It is more of a strictly factual expression. Not about my decision.)
他下星期三不會來公司他下星期三不会来公司
He will not come to the office next Wednesday.
(It is not like he is available, but he doesn’t want to come.)
你買的東西下個月會到你买的东西下个月会到
Your purchase will arrive next month.
(It’s not like you can decide the date you want it to arrive. It’s also not about your willingness. Just a simple fact.)
明天會下雨明天会下雨
It’s going to rain tomorrow.
(Again, you cannot decide whether tomorrow is raining or not. It’s also not about your willingness. Just a simple fact.)
你明天會去他的生日派對嗎?你明天会去他的生日派对吗?
Are you going to his birthday party tomorrow?
(It is a more neutral question, simply asking whether you will attend the party or not.)
- Difference between 2 “will” 会 huì and 要 yào