Learn a Chinese Character - 肯

1. Character Basics

Radical: 月 (moon radical)

Stroke Count: 8

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: kěn

3. Meaning

English meaning: be willing to, consent, agree, certain, sure

4. Common Words

• 肯定 (kěn dìng) - certain, sure, affirmative
• 不肯 (bù kěn) - unwilling, refuse to
• 肯干 (kěn gàn) - willing to work hard
• 肯吃苦 (kěn chī kǔ) - willing to endure hardship
• 首肯 (shǒu kěn) - nod in agreement

5. Grammar & Usage

Usage notes:

• 作为动词，表示愿意或同意：他肯帮我。(He is willing to help me.)
• 作为形容词，表示确定或肯定：我很肯定。(I'm very sure.)
• 常见结构：肯+动词、不肯+动词、肯定+名词/形容词
• 可以重叠使用，如"肯肯"表示非常愿意

6. Cultural Background

The character "肯" reflects the importance of willingness and agreement in Chinese culture. In interpersonal relationships, being "肯" (willing) to help others is highly valued. The character's structure, with "止" (stop) and "月" (moon), may suggest the idea of making a decision or commitment that lasts beyond a single day.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

Mnemonic: The character "肯" has "止" (stop) on top and "月" (moon) below. Imagine someone making a decision (肯) that stops (止) their uncertainty, like the moon (月) providing clarity in the night sky.