Difference between revisions of "Emphatic adverb "ke""

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In these examples, 可 is used a bit like 很, as it is used to emphasize an adjective:
 
In these examples, 可 is used a bit like 很, as it is used to emphasize an adjective:
 
<div class="liju">
 
<div class="liju">
* 这 只 小 狗 <em>可</em> 淘气!<span style="expl">(The speaker never expected dogs to be this naughty)</span>
+
* 这 只 小 狗 <em>可</em> 淘气!<span class="expl">(The speaker never expected dogs to be this naughty)</span>
* 哇,这 个 糖醋 鲤 鸡 <em>可</em> 好吃 啊!(The speaker never dreamt that sweet and sour pork could taste this good)
+
* 哇,这 个 糖醋 鲤 鸡 <em>可</em> 好吃 啊!<span class="expl">(The speaker never dreamt that sweet and sour pork could taste this good)
 
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In these examples 可 is used a bit like 真, and used to emphasize a verb:
 
In these examples 可 is used a bit like 真, and used to emphasize a verb:
 
<div class="liju">
 
<div class="liju">
* 你 <em>可</em> 来 了! At last! I never expected it would take so long for you to get here,
+
* 你 <em>可</em> 来 了! <span class="expl">(The speaker never expected it would take so long for you to get here)
* 我 <em>可</em> 没 想 到 小 李 会 跟 他 女友 分手。 I wouldn't in a million years think that they'd split up
+
* 我 <em>可</em> 没 想 到 小 李 会 跟 他 女友 分手。<span class="expl">(I wouldn't in a million years think that they'd split up)
* 你 <em>可</em> 别 喝 太 多 酒。 (I'm expecting you to drink a lot)
+
* 你 <em>可</em> 别 喝 太 多 酒。<span class="expl"> (I'm expecting you to drink a lot)
* 你 <em>可</em> 别 走! (I'm blocking your way, almost pleading with you, as I believe you are going to leave)
+
* 你 <em>可</em> 别 走!<span class="expl">(I'm blocking your way, almost pleading with you, as I believe you are going to leave)
 
* 话可不能这样说
 
* 话可不能这样说
 
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Revision as of 01:27, 24 October 2011

可 can be used like 很 to add emphasis to 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.


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

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


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

  • 来 了! (The speaker never expected it would take so long for you to get here)
  • 没 想 到 小 李 会 跟 他 女友 分手。(I wouldn't in a million years think that they'd split up)
  • 别 喝 太 多 酒。 (I'm expecting you to drink a lot)
  • 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

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


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