Vietnamese Grammar Bank
CAN, BE ABLE TO, BE CAPABLE ETC
In this lesson, you’ll learn how to express ability or capacity in Vietnamese using common phrases like có thể, biết, giỏi, and có khả năng.
These structures allow you to talk about what someone can do, knows how to do, or is skilled at, in both casual and formal contexts.
CÓ THỂ… = CAN
“Có thể” means “can” or “be able to” and is used to indicate the ability to perform an action.
PATTERN
Có thể + Verb
For example:
| Tôi có thể nói tiếng Việt | I can speak Vietnamese |
| Cô ấy có thể bơi | She can swim very well |
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| Anh ấy có thể chơi đàn piano | He can play the piano. |
| Chúng ta có thể đi công viên vào ngày mai. | We can go to the park tomorrow |
| Họ có thể hoàn thành dự án vào thứ Sáu | They can finish the project by Friday |
| Tôi có thể giúp bạn với bài tập về nhà. | I can help you with your homework |
BIẾT = CAN / KNOW HOW TO
“Biết” means “know how to/can” and is used to express knowledge or ability to perform an action in a basic way (not really skillful)
PATTERN
Biết + Verb
For example:
| Tôi biết nói tiếng Việt | I can speak Vietnamese |
| Cô ấy biết bơi | She can swim very well |
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| Anh ấy biết chơi đàn piano | He can play the piano. |
| Chúng ta biết chạy xe máy | We can ride scooter |
| Họ biết đếm | They can count |
| Tôi biết nấu ăn | I can cook |
GIỎI = BE GOOD AT
“Giỏi” means “good at” and is used to express proficiency in performing an action.
PATTERN
Giỏi + verb
For example:
| Tôi giỏi nói tiếng Việt | I ‘m good at speaking Vietnamese |
| Cô ấy giỏi bơi | She is good at swimming |
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| Anh ấy giỏi chơi đàn piano | He is good at playing the piano. |
| Chúng ta giỏi chạy xe máy | We are good at riding scooter |
| Họ giỏi đếm | They are good at counting |
| Tôi giỏi nấu ăn | I am good at cooking |
CÓ KHẢ NĂNG = BE CAPABLE OF…
This phrase is used to express potential or capability in performing an action.
PATTERN
Có khả năng + Verb
For example:
| Tôi có khả năng nói tiếng Việt | I can speak Vietnamese |
| Cô ấy có khả năng bơi | She can swim very well |
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| Anh ấy có khả năng chơi đàn piano | He can play the piano. |
| Chúng ta có khả năng chạy xe máy | We can ride scooter |
| Họ có khả năng đếm | They can count |
| Tôi có khả năng nấu ăn | I can cook |
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FAQs
What is the difference between “có thể” and “có khả năng”?
“Có thể” usually expresses the possibility or permission to do something, while “có khả năng” emphasizes ability or capacity, often in a more formal or evaluative context.
When should I use “giỏi” instead of “biết”?
Use “giỏi” when you want to say someone is skilled or good at something. Use “biết” simply to indicate that someone knows how to do something.
Can these words be used interchangeably?
Not always.
While they all relate to capacity or ability, they differ in tone, formality, and specific meaning.
For example, “giỏi” is often used to praise, whereas “biết” is neutral and factual.
How do I make negative statements using these expressions?
You can add “không” in front of the expression. For example:
“Tôi không biết nấu ăn.” (I don’t know how to cook.)
“Anh ấy không giỏi tiếng Anh.” (He’s not good at English.)
Are these expressions commonly used in daily conversation?
Yes, especially “có thể“, “biết“, and “giỏi” are very commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.
“Có khả năng” is more formal but still useful in written or professional Vietnamese.
Can I study in Vietnam with LTL?
Yes, you can!
You can study with us in Saigon or Hanoi, in both group or individual classes.
You’ll even have the opportunity to live with a Vietnamese family, thanks to our homestays.