Chinese phrase
能〜吗？ néng 〜 ma
Meaning
Can you ___?
When to use it
This phrase politely asks whether someone can do something. It is common in everyday requests and sounds softer than a direct command.
Example dialogue
老师，您能给我写一封推荐信吗？ lǎo shī nín néng gěi wǒ xiě yì fēng tuī jiàn xìn ma
Professor, can you write me a letter of recommendation?
当然可以，你把材料发给我吧。 dāng rán ké yǐ nǐ bǎ cái liào fā gěi wǒ ba
Of course. Send me the materials.