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HSK
7-9+

how can

Character Composition


Characters

Pinyin

qi3neng2 qǐnéng

Meaning


Primary

how can

Alternatives

how could

Mnemonic


岂能 How can is the phrasing we use at the beginning of a rhetorical question when we are asking 岂 how we could have the 能 ability to do or not do something.

Usage


真相 如此 明显, 岂能 否认?

The truth is so obvious; how can it be denied?

这 是 不可能 的 事, 岂能 成真?

This is impossible; how can it come true?

他 是 朋友, 岂能 不 帮助?

He is a friend; how can I not help?