Learn a Chinese Character - 可

1. Character Basics

Radical: 口 (mouth radical)

Stroke Count: 5

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: kě

3. Meaning

English meaning: can, may, able to, permit, but, however

4. Common Words

• 可以 (kě yǐ) - can, may, be able to
• 可能 (kě néng) - possible, maybe
• 可爱 (kě ài) - cute, lovely
• 可是 (kě shì) - but, however
• 可怕 (kě pà) - terrible, frightening

5. Grammar & Usage

Usage notes:

• 作为助动词，表示能力或许可：我可以帮助你。(I can help you.)
• 作为形容词，表示适合或值得：这本书很可读。(This book is worth reading.)
• 作为副词，表示强调：他可真是个好人。(He is really a good person.)
• 与"是"组合成"可是"，表示转折：我想帮忙，可是没时间。(I want to help, but I have no time.)

6. Cultural Background

The character "可" has a long history in Chinese culture. It often appears in ancient poetry and philosophy to express possibility and permission. In Confucian teachings, "可" is sometimes used to discuss appropriate behavior and moral choices. Today, it remains one of the most commonly used characters in modern Chinese.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

Mnemonic: The character "可" looks like a person with an open mouth (口) making a request or expressing possibility. Imagine someone with their mouth open saying "kě" (can) when asking for permission.