Chinese phrase
可以〜吗？ ké yǐ 〜 ma
Meaning
Can I ___?
When to use it
Asks politely whether the speaker may do something. It is used to request permission in everyday conversation, and the reply can grant or refuse it.
Example dialogue
我 可以 拿走这个文件 吗？ wǒ ké yǐ ná zǒu zhè ge wén jiàn ma
Can I take this document with me?
可以，你拿去吧。 ké yǐ nǐ ná qù ba
Yes, you can take it.