- be able to能, 会：
they can run fast
他们能跑快
I could hear footsteps
我能听到脚步声
he can't afford it.
他买不起它。
- be able to through acquired knowledge or skill（通过所掌握的知识或技能）能够：
I can speak Italian.
我能说意大利语。
- have the opportunity or possibility to有机会; 有可能：
there are many ways holidaymakers can take money abroad.
度假者有很多方法能把钱带到国外。
- with negative or in questions used to express doubt or surprise about the possibility of something's being the case可能, 会（用以表示对某种可能的怀疑或吃惊）：
he can't have finished
他不可能完成了
where can she have gone?
她可能去哪呢？
- be permitted to被允许, 可以：
you can use the phone if you want to
如果你想用电话的话, 你可以用
nobody could legally drink on the premises.
依照法律, 没人可以在该场所饮酒。
- used to request someone to do something可以, 能（用来表示请求某人做某事）：
can you open the window?
你能打开窗户吗？
can't you leave me alone?
你不能让我一个人待着吗？
- used to make a suggestion or offer可以（用来表示建议或提议）：
we can have another drink if you like.
如果你愿意, 我们可以再来一杯。
- used to indicate that something is typically the case会（用来表示某物的通常情况）：
antique clocks can seem out of place in modern homes
在现代家庭里老式钟会显得格格不入
he could be very moody.
他会喜怒无常。
- a cylindrical metal container圆柱形金属容器：
a petrol can
一个汽油桶
a can of paint.
一桶油漆。
- a small steel or aluminium container in which food or drink is hermetically sealed for storage over long periods罐头, 听：
a beer can.
一个啤酒罐。
- the quantity of food or drink held by such a container一听所装的（食物或饮料）量：
drank two cans of lager.
喝两听贮陈啤酒。
- S. African a container for wine, typically a two-litre glass bottle〈南非〉酒瓶（尤指两升的玻璃瓶）。
the can
N. Amer. informal prison〈北美, 非正式〉监狱。
the can
N. Amer. informal the toilet〈北美, 非正式〉厕所。
cans
informal headphones〈非正式〉耳机。
- preserve (food) in a can把（食物）装罐保存。
- N. Amer. informal dismiss (someone) from their job〈北美, 非正式〉解雇：
he was canned because of a tiff over promotion.
他因升职一事与人发生口角, 被解雇了。
- reject (something) as inadequate拒绝接受; 摈弃; 放弃：
the editorial team was so disappointed with the pictures that they canned the project.
编辑组对这些照片非常失望, 放弃了这个方案。
a can of worms
- a complicated matter likely to prove awkward or embarrassing复杂难解决的事; 棘手的事：
to question the traditional model of education opens up too big a can of worms.
质疑传统教育模式会引起一场轩然大波。
in the can
- informal on tape or film and ready to be broadcast or released〈非正式〉（磁带）录制好的, （电影）拍摄好的, 准备播放（或发行）的。