// Popular · 10

岂能…?

HSK 6
  • Questions

Structure (结构 jiégòu)

Subject岂能Verb/Verb phrase?

Meaning (意思 yìsi)

岂能... used in rhetorical questions, carrying the meaning "how could it be possible to...", expressing impossibility or impropriety.

Explanation (解释 jiěshì)

岂能 (qǐ néng) is a formal rhetorical question form carrying the strong meaning of "how could...?" or "how could one bear to...?". It is not used to seek information, but to emphasize that something is completely impossible, unreasonable, or should not happen. Commonly used in written language or formal contexts to express surprise, indignation, or indirect affirmation.

Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)

  1. 这么重要的事，岂能交给一个新人？
    繁: 這麼重要的事，豈能交給一個新人？Zhème zhòngyào de shì, qǐ néng jiāo gěi yí ge xīnrén?

    How could such an important matter possibly be entrusted to a newcomer?

  2. 我们是好朋友，我岂能骗你？
    繁: 我們是好朋友，我豈能騙你？Wǒmen shì hǎo péngyou, wǒ qǐ néng piàn nǐ?

    We are good friends, how could I possibly deceive you?

  3. 面对困难，我们岂能轻易放弃？
    繁: 面對困難，我們豈能輕易放棄？Miànduì kùnnan, wǒmen qǐ néng qīngyì fàngqì?

    How can we possibly give up easily when facing difficulties?

  4. 父母养育我们，我们岂能不孝顺？
    繁: 父母養育我們，我們豈能不孝順？Fùmǔ yǎngyù wǒmen, wǒmen qǐ néng bú xiàoshùn?

    Our parents raise and nurture us, so how could we not be filial?

  5. 已经答应了，岂能言而无信？
    繁: 已經答應了，豈能言而無信？Yǐjīng dāying le, qǐ néng yán ér wú xìn?

    I have already promised, how could I possibly speak without keeping my word?

Common mistakes

  • Wrong:我岂能去机场？
    Correct:我怎么去机场？

    岂能 is a rhetorical question and is not used to ask for information. To ask about manner or method, use 怎么 instead.

  • Wrong:你岂能不吃饭？
    Correct:你怎么能不吃饭呢？

    岂能 carries a formal and literary tone; in everyday spoken language, 怎么能 is more natural.