Emphatic adverb "ke"

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Chinese-grammar-wiki-ke.jpg

可 (kě) can be used to intensify an adjective, or to add emphasis to a verb. It is stronger than other modifiers, as 可 compares the speaker‘s 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

Structure

可 + Adj.

Examples

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

  • 这 只 小 狗 淘气 了!The speaker never expected dogs to be this naughtyThese dogs are so naughty!
  • 哇,这 个 糖醋 里脊 好吃 了!The speaker never dreamt that sweet and sour pork could taste this goodWow! This sweet and sour pork is delicious!

可 used to emphasize a verb

Structure

可 + Verb

Examples

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)
  • 别 喝 太 多 酒。 I'm not 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)
  • 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.

See also

Sources and further reading

Books

"HSK4下" is not in the list (HSK0, HSK1, HSK2, HSK3, HSK4, HSK5, HSK6) of allowed values for the "HSK" property. :Yes