Chinese Grammar learning 语法: 可 + Adj (+ 了)

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
Basic Structure

可+adjective
Examples

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

zhè zhǐ xiǎo ɡǒu kě táoqì le！
这 只 小 狗 可 淘气 了！

(The speaker never expected dogs to be this naughty) These dogs are so naughty!

wā，zhè ɡè tánɡcù lǐjǐ kě hǎochī le！
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
Basic Structure

可+verb
Examples

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

nǐ kě lái le!
你 可 来 了!

(The speaker never expected it would take so long for you to get here)

nǐ kě bié hē tài duō jiǔ。
你 可 别 喝 太 多 酒。

(I'm not expecting you to drink a lot)

nǐ kě bié zǒu！
你 可 别 走！

(I'm blocking your way, almost pleading with you, as I believe you are going to leave)

huà kě bú nénɡ zhè yànɡ shuō。
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.