могу́ vs мо́жно

mogu vs mozhno — I can vs it is possible/allowed

What it really means

Могу́ is the first-person singular form of мочь, “to be able/can.” It says that a particular person has the ability, opportunity, or permission to do something: Я могу́ прийти́ means “I can come.” The subject is normally explicit or understood, and the infinitive names the action.

Мо́жно is an impersonal predicative meaning “it is possible,” “one may,” or “it is allowed.” It focuses on circumstances or permission rather than the speaker's ability: Здесь мо́жно фо́тографировать means “Photography is allowed here.” Use можно to ask for permission politely and могу́ when describing what you personally can do.

Examples in natural speech

Я могу́ помо́чь тебе́ сейча́с.
I can help you now.
Могу́ я войти́?
May I come in?
Здесь мо́жно сесть.
It is possible/allowed to sit here.
Здесь нельзя́ ку́рить, но мо́жно е́сть.
Smoking is not allowed here, but eating is.
Когда́ мо́жно позвони́ть вам?
When may I call you?

Common mistakes

Do not use могу́ when you mean a general rule: Здесь мо́жно парковаться means parking is allowed here, not that I can park. Conversely, Я могу́ чита́ть по-ру́сски describes your ability. For prohibition, use нельзя́, the negative counterpart of можно.

Memory tip

Могу́ puts the ability in me; мо́жно puts possibility or permission in the situation.

Frequently asked questions

Can могу́ also ask for permission?

Yes, Могу́ я...? is a common polite way to ask “May I...?”, though Мо́жно...? is also very natural.

Does мо́жно change for gender or number?

No. It is impersonal and stays мо́жно regardless of who can or may act.

What is the difference between можно and разрешено?

Both can mean “allowed,” but разрешено more explicitly states that permission has been granted; можно is broader and also means “possible.”

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