Emphatic adverb "ke"

可 (kě) can be used like 很 to intensify an adjective, or like like 真 to add emphasis to a verb. It is stronger than other modifiers, as 可 compares the speakers expectations with the actual situation. The meaning of 可 is very reliant on context.

可 is generally used by Northern speakers, and is informal, generally only used in spoken Chinese.

可 used to intensify an adjective

In these examples, 可 is used a bit like 很, as it is used to intensify an adjective:

• 这 只 小 狗 可 淘气 了！(The speaker never expected dogs to be this naughty)
• 哇，这 个 糖醋 里脊 可 好吃 了！(The speaker never dreamt that sweet and sour pork could taste this good)

可 used to emphasize a verb

In these examples 可 is used a bit like 真, and used to emphasize a verb:

• 你 可 来 了! (The speaker never expected it would take so long for you to get here)
• 你 可 别 喝 太 多 酒。 (I'm expecting you to drink a lot)
• 你 可 别 走！ (I'm blocking your way, almost pleading with you, as I believe you are going to leave)
• 话 可 不 能 这 样 说。 (What you said doesn't accord with my own beliefs)

In two of the sentences above, 可 is used with 别, and sounds a bit like "don't even think about..." in English.

Sources and further reading

Books

• Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 1 (pp. 270-1) →buy
• Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 2 (pp. 56) →buy