can
word
/ˈkæn/, /kən/
KAN, kuhn
/kˈæn/
KAN
Definition
Used to express ability, permission, or possibility, and also as a noun meaning a metal container for food or drink.
Usage & Nuances
Commonly used as a modal verb with 'can' + base verb to talk about ability, permission, or possibility. Informal writing uses 'can' more than 'may' for permission. As a noun, refers only to metal containers, not plastic or glass. Don't confuse 'can' (ability/permission) with 'could' (past or polite requests).
Spanish: poder - lata (envase)Portuguese (BR): poder - lata (recipiente)Portuguese (PT): poder - lata (recipiente)Chinese (Simplified): 能 - 罐头Chinese (Traditional): 能 - 罐頭Hindi: सकना - टिनArabic: يستطيع - علبة (قنينة)Bengali: পারা - অনুমতি দেওয়া - ধাতুর কৌটাRussian: мочь - консервная банкаJapanese: できる - 缶Vietnamese: có thể - lon (kim loại)Korean: 할 수 있다 - 캔Turkish: -ebilmek - konserve kutusuUrdu: سکنا - ڈبہ (دھات)Indonesian: bisa - kaleng
Example Sentences
She said I can come to the party.
basic
Can you open this can of soda?
basic
I can’t believe how fast time flies!
natural
You can count on me anytime.
natural
I’m sorry, I just can’t make it tonight.
natural
I can swim very well.
basic