The word 可靠 is formed by combining two characters whose core meanings create a new, unified concept. The first character, 可 (kě), carries the fundamental meaning of "can" or "may", indicating possibility or permission. The second, 靠 (kào), essentially means "to lean on" or "to rely upon". When joined, the literal sense is "can be leaned upon". This concrete image of something physically sturdy enough to support weight is extended metaphorically to describe an abstract quality, resulting in the meaning "reliable" or "trustworthy", a person or thing that one can indeed depend on.