可

• Pinyin: kě
• Hanzi breakdown: 可 = 口 (mouth) + 丁/丂, depicting approval or ability

Meaning

Indeed; really; but; can. An adverb adding emphasis or expressing contrast.

A versatile particle used to emphasize statements, express contrast (like 'but' or 'however'), or add emotional weight. Different from 可以 (can/may). Often appears in constructions like 可好, 可真, or 可是. Adds a conversational, emphatic tone.

Examples

1. 这道菜可真好吃，我从没吃过这么棒的。 This dish is really delicious; I've never had anything this good.
2. 他可从来没迟到过，今天怎么了？ He has never been late; what happened today?
3. 你可别忘了明天的会议。 Don't you forget about tomorrow's meeting.

Usage Guide

Context: spoken, colloquial, emphasis

Tone: emphatic

Do Say

• 这可不是开玩笑的。(This is no joke/This is really serious.)
• 他可厉害了！(He's really amazing!)

Don't Say

• 这个可行。(In formal writing, avoid this emphatic 可 — use 确实 or 真的 for emphasis)

Origin & History

可 originally meant 'to be able' from 口 (mouth) + 丂 (curved). Its adverbial usage evolved to express emphasis or contrast.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal