刻意

• Pinyin: kè yì
• Hanzi breakdown: 刻 = carve/deliberate; 意 = 音 + 心 (heart)

Meaning

Deliberately; intentionally; on purpose. Describes actions done with conscious effort or design.

Often implies that extra effort was made to achieve a specific effect, sometimes with a slightly negative connotation suggesting the action seems forced or unnatural. Can be neutral or negative depending on context.

Examples

1. 他刻意回避这个话题，让大家都很尴尬。 He deliberately avoided this topic, making everyone uncomfortable.
2. 她并没有刻意打扮，但看起来依然很美。 She didn't dress up on purpose, but she still looked beautiful.
3. 不要刻意去讨好别人，做真实的自己就好。 Don't deliberately try to please others — just be your authentic self.

Usage Guide

Context: behavior, intention, criticism

Tone: observational

Do Say

• 他刻意保持距离。(He deliberately keeps his distance.)
• 不要太刻意，自然一点。(Don't try too hard — be more natural.)

Don't Say

• 我刻意喜欢这首歌。(Don't use 刻意 for genuine feelings — it implies forced or artificial action)

Origin & History

Compound of 刻 (carve/deliberate) + 意 (intention). Together means 'with deliberate intention.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal