Chinese phrase
〜可以工作吗？ 〜 ké yǐ gōng zuò ma
Meaning
Can ___ work?
When to use it
Asks if someone may work in a particular place or situation. It is a neutral way to check rules, often about visas or other permission.
Example dialogue
我持旅游签证在这里 可以工作吗？ wǒ chí lǚ yóu qiān zhèng zài zhè lǐ ké yǐ gōng zuò ma
I am here on a tourist visa. Can I work here?
不可以，你需要工作签证。 bù ké yǐ nǐ xū yào gōng zuò qiān zhèng
No, you cannot. You need a work visa.