可乐

• Pinyin: kě lè
• Hanzi breakdown: 可 = 口 (mouth) + 丁 (nail), meaning can/approve; 乐 = simplified from 樂, originally a pictograph of a musical instrument on a wooden stand

Meaning

Cola; Coke. A carbonated soft drink, especially Coca-Cola or Pepsi.

Primarily refers to cola-flavoured carbonated beverages. In everyday speech, 可乐 almost always means Coca-Cola or Pepsi. The full brand name 可口可乐 (Coca-Cola) is used in formal or advertising contexts. Can be specified as 百事可乐 (Pepsi Cola) when needed.

Examples

1. 我想喝一杯可乐。 I want to drink a glass of cola.
2. 夏天的时候，冰可乐最好喝。 In summer, iced cola tastes the best.
3. 他每天都要喝两瓶可乐。 He drinks two bottles of cola every day.

Usage Guide

Context: food, drinks, everyday

Tone: casual

Do Say

• 请给我一杯可乐，谢谢。(A glass of cola, please — thank you.)
• 你喜欢喝可乐还是果汁？(Do you prefer cola or juice?)

Don't Say

• 我要一个可乐。(The measure word 个 is awkward for drinks — use 杯 for a glass or 瓶 for a bottle. Say 我要一杯可乐 or 我要一瓶可乐.)

Origin & History

A phonetic transliteration from the English word 'cola.' The full transliteration of Coca-Cola is 可口可乐, meaning 'delicious and enjoyable,' which is considered one of the most successful brand name translations in history.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal