他问我能不能收留他
“He asked me if I could take him in.”
THE DIALOGUE REEL
他不想回家
“He didn't want to go home.”
他 问我 能不能 收留 他
“He asked me if I could take him in.”
Direct spoken expression in this communicative setting.
Taking in relatives, friends, or acquaintances facing domestic strife is an important manifestation of mutual support and hospitality in Chinese culture.
LEARNING CHUNKS & PARTICLES
whether or not one can
A common way to embed a polite yes-no question when asking for assistance or permission.
to take someone in / provide shelter
Commonly used when offering a temporary place to stay for someone in trouble or without shelter.
VOCABULARY & EXPRESSIONS
Parallel Spoken Cinema Scenes (语义近邻切片)
“Can you take me in for a few days?”
“just to ask if I can bring a toothbrush and toothpaste.”
“Can he at least not stay with me?”
“So what?”
“But you'll have to put me up for a few days.”
“(Lu Ting) (So, if you could adopt him,) (that would be perfect.)”