却

• Pinyin: què
• Hanzi breakdown: 却 = 去 (go away) + 卩 (kneeling person) — stepping back, a reversal or contrast

Meaning

Yet; but; however. An adverb expressing contrast or unexpectedness, placed before the verb.

Used in the second clause of a sentence to introduce a contrast or unexpected turn. Unlike 但是 or 可是 (which begin a clause), 却 is placed after the subject and before the verb. It often implies that the reality contradicts what was expected. Very common in both spoken and written Chinese at this level.

Examples

1. 他学了很多年英语，却还是不敢开口说。 He studied English for many years, yet still does not dare to speak.
2. 这道菜看起来简单，做起来却很难。 This dish looks simple, but it is actually very difficult to make.
3. 我叫了他好几次，他却假装没听见。 I called him several times, but he pretended not to hear.

Usage Guide

Context: writing, storytelling, everyday

Tone: contrastive

Do Say

• 天气预报说会下雨，天空却很晴朗。(The forecast said it would rain, yet the sky was clear.)
• 大家都同意了，只有他却反对。(Everyone agreed, but only he objected.)

Don't Say

• 却他不来了 (Don't place 却 before the subject — it must go after the subject and before the verb; say 他却不来了 instead)

Origin & History

The character 却 originally depicted stepping backwards, conveying the sense of retreat or reversal — hence its use as a contrastive adverb meaning 'on the contrary'.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal