Do you play the piano? vs Can you play the piano?

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hello there :smiley:

What exactly is the difference in meaning between

  1. Do you play the piano ?
  2. Can you play the piano ?

Thanks in advance,

mdenglish :smiley:

2

Good question. Both question can mean ‘are you able to play the piano’, but 1. could also ask ‘do you (regularly) play the piano’. Still, both questions ask for ability.

3

Hello again :smiley:

Thank you for your explanation. Much appreciate it ( or much appreciated, not sure this one is correct).
What about if you ask someone

  1. Excuse me, can you speak English ? (Does that sound rude ?)
  2. Excuse me, do you speak English ?

And what about a question to a person about food

  1. Can you eat meat ?
  2. Do you eat meat ?

Thanks in advance :smiley:

mdenglish :smiley: