Definitions
About
The character 可 (kě) is a phono-semantic compound formed from the mouth radical 口 (kǒu) and the component 丂 (kǎo). Here, 丂 acts as both a phonetic element and a depiction of breath or sound overcoming resistance. This structure evokes the act of vocalizing assent or approval, which aligns with the character's earliest meanings. Its core sense involves granting permission, agreeing, or deeming something suitable. This concept of verbal approval naturally extended into grammatical uses, allowing 可 to function as a modal verb indicating possibility, capability, or permission, similar to "can", "may", or "able to" in English.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
这本书可有趣了。
你可以来我家。
她的小狗非常可爱。
明天可能下雨。
我很累，可是还得工作。
你可不可以帮我一个忙？
虽然价格很高，可是质量非常好。
鉴于目前的情况，我们可采取的措施有限。