Emphatic adverb "ke"

Revision as of 10:09, 21 October 2011 by Jonathan.pope (talk | contribs)

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!(I never expected dogs to be this naughty)
  • 哇,这 个 糖醋 鲤 鸡 好吃 啊!(I'v 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! At last! I 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)

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.