The Chinese character "能" (néng) primarily means "can" or "to be able to." It is used to express capability or possibility in various contexts, such as physical abilities, skills, or potential actions. For example, one might say "我能游泳" (wǒ néng yóuyǒng), meaning "I can swim." In addition to its use in expressing ability, "能" can also indicate permission or opportunity. It is often found in phrases related to permission, such as "你能来吗?" (nǐ néng lái ma?), which translates to "Can you come?" This versatility makes "能" an essential character in everyday Chinese communication.