Emphatic adverb "ke"
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.
Contents
1 可 used to intensify an adjective
1.1 Structure
1.2 Examples
2 可 used to emphasize a verb
2.1 Structure
2.2 Examples
3 See also
4 Sources and further reading
4.1 Books
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 可 淘气 了！The speaker never expected dogs to be this naughty
These dogs are so 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
Wow! 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:
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 not 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.
See also
Sources and further reading
Books
Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 1 (pp. 270-1) →buy
Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 2 (pp. 56) →buy ]