In this workshop you will practice a short, realistic conversation about pets. You will ask whether pets are allowed, say what pet you have, and understand a reply that gives permission with a condition. Each native line is provided as a recording reference, and you will read the exact recorded line aloud. The goal is to speak clearly and to respond correctly to what you hear, not to invent new sentences.
Asking the basic question
Start with the simplest way to ask whether pets are allowed. The line «可以养宠物吗？» means "Are pets allowed?" Use it when you want a direct yes-or-no answer. A slightly more polite opening is «你好，请问可以养宠物吗？», which means "Hello, may I ask if pets are allowed?" The greeting at the start makes the question softer and is useful when you are speaking to someone you do not know. The source lesson also notes that «可以养小动物吗？» means "Can I keep small animals?", but on this page you will practice the two recorded question lines above. Notice that both practice questions are questions, so your voice should rise slightly at the end. Practice each line slowly, then at a natural speed.
Saying what pet you have
After you ask, you may need to say what pet you have. The line «我有一只猫。» means "I have a cat." This is a simple statement, so your voice should stay level or fall at the end. If you want to check whether your cat is acceptable, use «我有一只猫，可以吗？», which means "I have a cat, is that okay?" This line combines the statement with a short check. When you say it, keep the first part calm and let the final check rise slightly. These two lines let you give clear information without adding details that were not taught.
Understanding the reply
The answer may not be a simple yes or no. The line «这里不能养宠物。» means "Pets are not allowed here." This is a clear refusal. The line «可以，但是要交额外押金。» means "Yes, but you need to pay an extra deposit." This gives permission with a condition, so you should listen for the word that introduces the condition. The line «猫可以，但是不能养狗。» means "Cats are fine, but dogs are not allowed." This reply separates one animal from another, so it is important to catch which animal is accepted. When you hear a reply, decide first whether it is a refusal, a yes with a condition, or a partial yes. Then respond only with a line you have practiced.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
可以养宠物吗？
Are pets allowed?
kěyǐ yǎng chǒngwù ma?
我有一只猫。
I have a cat.
wǒ yǒu yì zhī māo.
这里不能养宠物。
Pets are not allowed here.
zhèlǐ bù néng yǎng chǒngwù.
可以养小动物吗？
Can I keep small animals?
kěyǐ yǎng xiǎo dòngwù ma?
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
你好，请问可以养宠物吗？
Hello, may I ask if pets are allowed?可以，但是要交额外押金。
Yes, but you need to pay an extra deposit.我有一只猫，可以吗？
I have a cat, is that okay?猫可以，但是不能养狗。
Cats are fine, but dogs are not allowed.Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Guided exchange: ask and state your pet
You are speaking to a landlord or building manager. You want to ask whether pets are allowed and then say that you have a cat. Your partner will read the reply lines from the recordings.
Your task: Read «你好，请问可以养宠物吗？» aloud as your opening question. Then, after your partner replies, read «我有一只猫，可以吗？» aloud to state that you have a cat and check whether that is okay. Your partner will answer with «可以，但是要交额外押金。» or «猫可以，但是不能养狗。». Read each line exactly as recorded, and keep the question lines rising at the end.
Reply comprehension: choose the matching answer
Your partner will read one reply from the recordings. You must choose which recorded question or statement fits that reply. The possible lines for you are «可以养宠物吗？», «我有一只猫。», and «你好，请问可以养宠物吗？».
Your task: Listen as your partner reads «这里不能养宠物。». Then choose the line from «可以养宠物吗？», «我有一只猫。», or «你好，请问可以养宠物吗？» that best fits as the line spoken before this reply. Say your chosen line aloud. Next, listen as your partner reads «可以，但是要交额外押金。», and choose again from the same three lines. Finally, listen as your partner reads «猫可以，但是不能养狗。», and choose once more.
Recall with correct roles
You will now play both roles in a short conversation. First you are the person asking about pets. Then you switch roles and become the person answering. The order of the conversation stays the same: question, reply, follow-up, answer.
Your task: In role A, read «你好，请问可以养宠物吗？» as your question. In role B, read «可以，但是要交额外押金。» as the reply. Back in role A, read «我有一只猫，可以吗？» as the follow-up. In role B, read «猫可以，但是不能养狗。» as the answer. After you finish, swap roles with your partner and repeat the same four lines in the same order. Do not change the order when you swap.
Common questions
What should I do if I hear a reply I did not practice?
Stay with the lines you have practiced. If the reply is not one of the recorded lines, you can still use «可以养宠物吗？» or «你好，请问可以养宠物吗？» to ask again, or «我有一只猫。» to restate what pet you have. Do not try to invent a new sentence. Asking again with a practiced question is a safe way to keep the conversation going.
How do I know whether a reply is a refusal or a yes with a condition?
Listen for the overall meaning. «这里不能养宠物。» is a clear refusal because it says pets are not allowed here. «可以，但是要交额外押金。» starts with a yes, so it gives permission, but it adds a condition about an extra deposit. «猫可以，但是不能养狗。» accepts one animal and refuses another, so it is a partial yes. Decide which type you heard before you respond.
Sources and further reading
- chinese: ask about pets allowedChecked September 2026
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