Traditional Chinese - Simple Yes/No Answers

可以

Kěyǐ.

Yes, I can.

Meaning: 可以 (Kěyǐ) means “Yes, I can” or “Yes, that’s possible.”

When to use: Use it when someone asks if you can do something, or if something is allowed or possible.

Tip: Don’t use 是 (shì) for every “yes.” For “can I / can you,” 可以 (Kěyǐ) is the natural answer.

不行，我沒辦法。

Bùxíng, wǒ méi bànfǎ.

No, I can't.

Meaning: 不行，我沒辦法 (Bùxíng, wǒ méi bànfǎ) means “No, I can’t.”

When to use: Use it when you cannot do something or cannot help with a request.

Tip: 不行 (Bùxíng) can sound direct by itself. Adding 我沒辦法 (wǒ méi bànfǎ) makes the refusal feel more complete and natural.

對，是

Duì, shì.

Yes, it is.

Meaning: 對，是 (Duì, shì) means “Yes, it is.”

When to use: Use it to confirm a fact, identity, place, or situation.

Tip: Use 對，是 (Duì, shì) for “Is it…?” questions, not for “Can you…?” questions.

不是

Bú shì.

No, it isn't.

Meaning: 不是 (Bú shì) means “No, it isn’t.”

When to use: Use it to deny a fact, identity, place, or situation.

有

Yǒu.

Yes, there is.

Meaning: 有 (Yǒu) means “Yes, there is” or “Yes, I/they have it.”

When to use: Use it to answer questions with 有沒有 (yǒu méiyǒu), meaning “is there / do you have.”

沒有

Méiyǒu.

No, there isn't.

Meaning: 沒有 (Méiyǒu) means “No, there isn’t” or “No, I/they don’t have it.”

When to use: Use it to answer no to 有沒有 (yǒu méiyǒu) questions.

對啊

Duì a.

Yeah.

Meaning: 對啊 (Duì a) means “Yeah” or “That’s right.”

When to use: Use it casually when agreeing with someone or confirming something in a relaxed way.