can
can — 動詞
1. to prepare and store food or drink by sealing it inside a metal container so tha
罐裝
將食物密封於金屬罐中保存
to prepare and store food or drink by sealing it inside a metal container so that it stays fresh for later use
Each autumn, Minho and his grandmother can jars of tomatoes from their garden.
每年秋天，Minho 和奶奶會把花園收成的番茄裝進罐頭。
transitive: can + food item
The factory cans over ten thousand pineapples every day during harvest season.
這間工廠在採收季每天罐裝超過一萬顆鳳梨。
Before refrigerators were common, families would can vegetables to eat during winter.
在冰箱普及之前，家家戶戶會把蔬菜做成罐頭，留到冬天吃。
Sahil learned how to can fish from his uncle, who worked on a fishing boat.
Sahil 從在漁船上工作的叔叔那裡學到如何將魚罐裝保存。
Salma prefers to can her own fruit rather than buy canned products at the store.
Salma 寧可自己做水果罐頭，也不買超市的罐裝產品。
文法句型
can + noun phrase
用法筆記
This sense is the only meaning of the verb 'can' that is neutral in register; it is common in both American and British English, though 'tin' is also used in British English for the same action.
常見錯誤
2. used especially as an order to tell someone to stop talking, making noise, or be
閉嘴；停下
命令某人停止說話或製造噪音
used especially as an order to tell someone to stop talking, making noise, or behaving in an annoying way
"Can it, Tuan — I am trying to focus on my exam," his sister whispered.
「Tuan，閉嘴——我正在專心準備考試，」他妹妹輕聲說。
imperative: 'Can it!' as a command
Asher told his younger brother to can the noise while the baby was sleeping.
Asher 叫弟弟在寶寶睡覺時別再吵鬧。
transitive: can the noise / can the chatter
When the argument got too loud, Liam shouted "Can it!" from across the room.
爭論聲越來越大，Liam 從房間另一頭大喊：「閉嘴！」
After ten minutes of constant tapping, Lotte turned around and said, "Can it, please."
Lotte 受不了隔壁連續十分鐘的敲打聲，轉頭說：「拜託安靜一點。」
The manager asked the team to can the complaints and get back to work.
經理要團隊停止抱怨，回去工作。
- cut it out
same register and meaning; common in informal speech
- knock it off
slang; slightly more aggressive
- quit it
common in American English; similarly informal
文法句型
can it (intransitive imperative)
can + noun phrase
用法筆記
Almost always used as an imperative ('Can it!') or with a limited object such as 'the noise,' 'the chatter,' or 'the complaints.' Very rare in formal or written contexts — use 'stop' or 'be quiet' instead for those situations.
常見錯誤
3. to end someone's employment, especially for a reason the person sees as unfair o
開除
解僱某人，通常未獲同意
to end someone's employment, especially for a reason the person sees as unfair or unexpected
The company canned Ignacio after he missed three important deadlines in a row.
Ignacio 連續錯過三次重要截止日期後，公司把他開除了。
transitive: can + person for [reason]
Femi was canned from the restaurant for showing up late nearly every shift.
Femi 因為幾乎每次值班都遲到，被餐廳開除了。
passive: be canned from [job/company]
Jason got canned when the store closed without any warning from the owner.
Jason 在商店無預警關閉時被開除了，老闆完全沒有事先通知。
Nila heard that the manager would can anyone caught using a phone during work hours.
Nila 聽說經理會開除任何在上班時間偷用手機的人。
When the factory closed, the owner canned two hundred workers with one week's notice.
工廠關閉時，老闆只提前一週通知，就開除了兩百名員工。
文法句型
can + person
be canned
get canned
用法筆記
Never used in formal or official contexts — use 'dismiss,' 'make redundant,' or 'terminate' instead. The passive form 'get canned' is extremely common in everyday spoken American English.
常見錯誤
can — 名詞
1. a small metal container, usually shaped like a cylinder, that keeps food or drin
罐
密封金屬圓形容器，用於保存食品飲料
a small metal container, usually shaped like a cylinder, that keeps food or drinks fresh by being sealed so air cannot get in
Faisal opened a can of tomatoes for the pasta sauce.
Faisal 打開了一罐番茄罐頭來做義大利麵醬。
a can of [food] + open a can
The shelf in the pantry held several cans of beans.
儲藏室的架子上放了幾罐豆子罐頭。
countable: cans of beans
A can of soda costs about a dollar from the vending machine.
自動販賣機的一罐汽水大概要一美元。
Trang always recycles the empty cans after cooking.
Trang 煮飯後總是回收空罐頭。
The store sells cans of soup for less than two dollars each.
那家商店一罐湯罐頭賣不到兩美元。
文法句型
a can of [food/drink]
用法筆記
Frequently appears in the pattern 'a can of [item]' to specify what is inside.
常見錯誤
2. how much food or drink fits inside a can; used as a unit for measuring ingredien
一罐的量
一罐所能裝的量（烹調量詞）
how much food or drink fits inside a can; used as a unit for measuring ingredients in recipes or instructions
Add one can of coconut milk and simmer for ten minutes.
加入一罐椰奶，用小火煮十分鐘。
a can of [ingredient] as a measurement
The recipe asks for two cans of diced tomatoes.
食譜要求兩罐切塊番茄。
Quinn mixed a can of tuna with mayonnaise for the filling.
Quinn 把一罐鮪魚跟美乃滋拌在一起做內餡。
Pour one can of water into the soup after opening the tin.
打開罐頭後，倒入一罐水的量到湯裡。
- a can's worth
more explicit about quantity, though less common in recipes
文法句型
a can of [food/drink] measuring quantity
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1: this sense measures quantity, not the physical container itself.
常見錯誤
3. a container made of metal or strong plastic that holds liquids like oil, paint,
油罐；金屬罐
附蓋和把手，用來裝液體的金屬容器
a container made of metal or strong plastic that holds liquids like oil, paint, or fuel, and usually has a lid and a handle for pouring
Asher used a small can of oil to fix the squeaky hinge.
Asher 用一小罐油來修理吱吱作響的鉸鏈。
a can of [liquid] for pouring
Paloma kept the paint thinner in a metal can with a tight lid.
Paloma 把油漆稀釋劑放在一個有緊蓋子的金屬罐裡。
The mechanic grabbed a can of penetrating oil to loosen the rusted bolts.
技工拿起一罐滲透油，鬆開生鏽的螺栓。
Marta carried a red can of gasoline to the lawnmower.
Marta 提著一罐紅色汽油走向割草機。
常見錯誤
❌ 'I bought a can of tomatoes' (talking about a sealed food can). Use sense 1, not this sense. This sense is for liquids held in containers with open tops, lids, and handles.
4. headphones; used informally especially among music producers, DJs, and audio eng
耳罩式耳機
大型頭戴式耳機的俚語說法
headphones; used informally especially among music producers, DJs, and audio engineers for the large ear-covering type of headphones
The DJ put on his cans and adjusted the mixer level.
DJ 戴上他的耳罩式耳機，調整混音器音量。
slang: cans = headphones
Eric prefers using cans over earbuds for studio mixing.
Eric 在錄音室混音時比較喜歡用耳罩式耳機，而不是耳塞式耳機。
Baraka passed the cans to Hyun so she could hear the playback.
Baraka 把耳罩式耳機遞給 Hyun，讓她聽回放。
The sound engineer wore his cans for the whole recording session.
那位音響工程師在整個錄音過程中都戴著他的耳罩式耳機。
- headphones
the standard, neutral term for any ear-worn audio device
- headset
often implies a built-in microphone
用法筆記
Almost always used in the plural ('cans'). Singular use ('a can') is very rare and may confuse listeners outside the music industry.
常見錯誤
5. prison or jail; used in very informal language, especially in American English,
監獄（俚語）
監獄的非正式說法
prison or jail; used in very informal language, especially in American English, to refer to the experience of being imprisoned
The thief spent five years in the can for armed robbery.
那個小偷因為持械搶劫在牢裡關了五年。
slang: in the can = in prison
Marta's older brother got sent to the can for theft.
Marta 的哥哥因為偷竊被關進監獄。
Aylin warned her cousin that the gang leader was back in the can.
Aylin 警告她表弟，那個幫派老大又回監獄了。
The judge put the con artist in the can for ten years.
法官判那個騙子入獄十年。
- jail
the standard, neutral term for a local detention facility
- prison
the standard, neutral term for a long-term correctional facility
- the slammer
similar level of informality, also slang
文法句型
in the can
用法筆記
Used almost exclusively in fixed phrases like 'in the can' or 'sent to the can.' The definite article 'the' is normally required.
常見錯誤
6. a toilet or bathroom; used in very informal American English, often in short req
廁所（俚語）
廁所的非正式說法
a toilet or bathroom; used in very informal American English, often in short requests or questions about where to find the restroom
Tamás asked the gas station attendant where the can was.
Tamás 問加油站員工廁所在哪裡。
slang: the can = the toilet
Tuan needed to use the can before the long bus ride.
Tuan 在長途搭車前需要去上廁所。
Faisal told the driver he would be right back — he was going to the can.
Faisal 跟司機說他馬上回來——他去一下廁所。
Quinn asked a security guard if there was a can nearby.
Quinn 問警衛附近有沒有廁所。
文法句型
the can
用法筆記
Always used with the definite article ('the can'). Avoid this term in formal or polite conversation; use 'restroom', 'bathroom', or 'toilet' instead.
常見錯誤
can — 情態動詞
1. to possess the physical or mental ability to perform an action, or to have learn
能夠；會
有能力或技巧做某事
to possess the physical or mental ability to perform an action, or to have learned the way to carry it out
Maeve can swim across the lake without any help.
Maeve 能夠在沒有幫助的情況下游過湖泊。
can + base verb for ability
Lukas can solve math problems faster than his older brother.
Lukas 解數學題的速度比他哥哥還快。
Kenji can play the guitar and sing at the same time.
Kenji 會彈吉他，同時還能唱歌。
Adina can read stories in three different languages.
Adina 能讀三種不同語言的書。
- be able to
more formal; fills tenses that 'can' lacks (e.g. future, past perfect)
- know how to
emphasises learned skill rather than general ability
- cannot
the negative form of 'can' itself
- be unable to
formal opposite of 'be able to'
文法句型
can + base verb
用法筆記
Frequently used with verbs of perception: can see, can hear, can feel, can smell, can taste.
常見錯誤
2. expresses that someone is ready and willing to do something, often as an offer o
願意
表示準備好且樂意做
expresses that someone is ready and willing to do something, often as an offer or promise
Putri can help set up the chairs before the meeting starts.
Putri 願意在會議開始前幫忙排好椅子。
can for offer of help
Sade can bring her laptop to the workshop tomorrow morning.
Sade 願意明天早上帶她的筆電來工作坊。
The children in the club can stay after school to clean the room.
社團的孩子們願意放學後留下來打掃教室。
Aylin can pick up the supplies from the shop on her way home.
Aylin 願意回家路上順便去店裡拿補給品。
- be willing to
more explicit about willingness; less common in everyday speech
文法句型
can + base verb
用法筆記
When this sense is used in the negative ('cannot' / 'can't'), it usually expresses refusal rather than inability — distinguish from sense 1 (BE ABLE TO).
常見錯誤
3. used, especially in the negative, to say that someone refuses to do something or
不願；無法
表示不願意或不可能
used, especially in the negative, to say that someone refuses to do something or will not permit something
Aylin cannot attend the wedding because she has a final exam.
Aylin 無法參加婚禮，因為她有一場期末考。
cannot + base verb for unwillingness due to conflict
You cannot borrow my car — not after you crashed it last time.
你不能借我的車——上次你把車撞壞之後，就別想了。
cannot + base verb for refusal based on past experience
Rodrigo cannot join the trip because his passport has run out.
Rodrigo 無法參加這趟旅行，因為他的護照過期了。
You can throw trash on the ground, but I will not clean it up.
你可以把垃圾往地上丟，但我不會幫你清理。
- be willing to
direct opposite of refusal
文法句型
cannot + base verb
can't + base verb
用法筆記
Only used in negative form for this sense. 'I cannot' here means 'I will not' rather than 'I am not able to'; context tells the difference.
常見錯誤
4. to be permitted to do something by a rule, a law, or a person who has authority
可以
被規則或他人允許做某事
to be permitted to do something by a rule, a law, or a person who has authority
Children under twelve can ride the bus for free after school.
十二歲以下的兒童可以在放學後免費搭公車。
can for rule-based permission
You can park your car in the visitor lot near the gate.
你可以把車停在門口附近的訪客停車場。
Students can use their calculators during the maths exam.
學生可以在數學考試中使用計算機。
Vikram can borrow up to five books from the library at one time.
Vikram 一次可以從圖書館借五本書。
- be allowed to
more explicit about permission; often used when 'can' would be ambiguous
- may
more formal; preferred in official rules and polite requests
- must not
stronger prohibition; 'you must not enter' means it is forbidden
- be not allowed to
direct negative form
文法句型
can + base verb for permission
用法筆記
For asking permission in very formal contexts, 'may' is preferred over 'can' (e.g. 'May I come in?'). In everyday speech, 'can' is the default.
常見錯誤
5. expresses a forceful or irritated command directed at another person, or says th
大可以；儘管
生氣時叫某人做某事
expresses a forceful or irritated command directed at another person, or says that someone is free to do something you disapprove of
If you are so unhappy here, you can just find another place to live.
你要是這麼不開心，大可以去找別的地方住。
can for dismissive permission
Nicholas told his brother he can leave if he does not like the plan.
Nicholas 跟他弟弟說，如果不喜歡這個計畫，他大可以離開。
You can stop making that noise right now.
你最好現在就停止發出那種噪音。
You can keep your opinions to yourself if you cannot say anything nice.
你要是說不出好聽的話，就大可把意見留給你自己。
- may as well
softer; suggests reluctant acceptance rather than irritation
文法句型
can + base verb
用法筆記
The tone is marked by context — a flat or angry delivery. In writing, exclamation marks or a preceding complaint signal this sense.
常見錯誤
6. used when asking someone politely to give you something, to help you, or to allo
可以；能
禮貌請求對方提供幫助
used when asking someone politely to give you something, to help you, or to allow you to do something
Excuse me, can you pass me the salt and the pepper?
不好意思，可以請你把鹽和胡椒遞給我嗎？
Can you ... ? for polite request
Can Maeve borrow your bicycle for the weekend trip?
Maeve 可以跟你借腳踏車騎這個週末嗎？
Can Sofie open the window for a minute?
Sofie 可以開一下窗戶嗎？
Can Tamás help me carry this box to the car, please?
Tamás 可以幫我把這個箱子搬到車上嗎？
文法句型
Can + subject + base verb + ...?
用法筆記
For very formal requests (e.g. in business letters), 'could' or 'would you mind' is more appropriate than 'can'. Adding 'please' makes the request noticeably more polite.
常見錯誤
7. used when you are saying that something has a real chance of being true or happe
可能
表示事情有發生的機會或可能性
used when you are saying that something has a real chance of being true or happening in certain situations — for example, describing the usual weather in a place, a typical result of an action, or something you find hard to believe.
In spring the weather can change very quickly, so Shirin always carries an umbrella.
春天的天氣可能變化很快，所以 Shirin 總是隨身帶著雨傘。
can + change for changeable weather or situations
Even good cooks can make mistakes when they try a recipe for the first time.
即使是好廚師，第一次嘗試某道食譜時也可能犯錯。
The hike can take six hours, so Ramón told us to bring extra water.
健行可能長達六小時，所以 Ramón 叫我們多帶水。
A small disagreement between friends can sometimes grow into a much bigger argument.
朋友之間的一點小分歧有時可能發展成一場大爭吵。
Can the noise from the construction site really be heard from two blocks away?
建築工地的噪音真的可能在兩條街外就聽得見嗎？
- cannot
the negative form, expressing that something is impossible or very unlikely
文法句型
can + base verb
can/can't + base verb + for possibility
Can + subject + base verb? for doubt or surprise
用法筆記
Unlike 'can' for ability (modal verb sense 1), this sense is most common with impersonal or inanimate subjects (weather, traffic, a situation, the hike). It is frequently used to describe typical, recurring, or predictable situations.
常見錯誤
8. used when you politely offer to do something for another person, or ask if they
提議
用於禮貌地主動提出幫忙或服務
used when you politely offer to do something for another person, or ask if they need your help with a task or service.
Can I help you carry those heavy shopping bags to your car, Mrs. Chen?
需要我幫您把這些很重的購物袋提到車上嗎，陳太太？
Can I + help + [person] + [action] — polite offer
Can I get you a glass of cold water while you wait for the doctor?
要不要我幫您倒杯水，一邊等醫師？
Can I open the window for you, Amira? It feels very warm in this room.
要不要我幫妳開窗戶，Amira？這房間感覺很悶熱。
Can I drive you to the airport tomorrow so you can skip the train?
要不要我明天開車送你去機場，這樣你就不用搭火車了？
Can I take your order, sir, or would you like a few more minutes?
先生，請問現在可以幫您點餐嗎，還是需要再等一會兒？
文法句型
Can I + base verb + for [someone]? (offer structure)
用法筆記
Only the first-person question form ('Can I...?') is used for offers. 'Can you...?' with the same intonation becomes a request for help, not an offer. The form 'May I...?' is more formal and less common in everyday spoken English.