可靠

• Pinyin: kě kào
• Hanzi breakdown: 可 = 口 (mouth) + 丁 (nail), originally meaning to approve; 靠 = 告 (tell) + 非 (not), meaning to lean against

Meaning

Reliable; dependable; trustworthy. Describes someone or something that can be counted on.

Used to describe people, information, products, or methods that are worthy of trust and can be depended upon. It implies consistency and stability. Often appears in phrases like 可靠的朋友 (a reliable friend) or 消息可靠 (the information is reliable).

Examples

1. 他是一个非常可靠的人。 He is a very reliable person.
2. 这个消息可靠吗？ Is this information reliable?
3. 我们需要找一个可靠的方法来解决这个问题。 We need to find a reliable method to solve this problem.

Usage Guide

Context: evaluation, trust, everyday

Tone: affirmative

Do Say

• 她做事很可靠，大家都信任她。(She is very reliable in her work — everyone trusts her.)
• 这个品牌的产品质量很可靠。(This brand's product quality is very dependable.)

Don't Say

• 今天的天气很可靠。(Don't use 可靠 for weather — it describes trustworthiness, not stability. Say 今天的天气很稳定 or 很好.)

Origin & History

Compound of 可 (can/may) and 靠 (to lean on/rely on). Literally 'can be relied on,' which directly conveys the meaning of dependable or trustworthy.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal