可观
Traditional: 可觀
kě guān HSK 6

English Meaning

📚 Example Sentences

他的收入相当可观。
Tā de shōurù xiāngdāng kěguān.
His income is quite considerable.
这个项目有可观的前景。
Zhège xiàngmù yǒu kěguān de qiánjǐng.
This project has impressive prospects.
公司利润增长可观。
Gōngsī lìrùn zēngzhǎng kěguān.
The company's profit growth is considerable.
他的收入很可观。
Tā de shōurù hěn kěguān.
His income is considerable.
这个数字相当可观。
Zhège shùzì xiāngdāng kěguān.
This number is quite substantial.

💡 Memory Tip

Break down the characters: 可 (kě) means 'can' or 'worth,' and 观 (guān) means 'to look at' or 'view.' So, 可观 literally means 'worth viewing' → something so significant it's worth paying attention to. Think: 'A considerable amount is worth observing.'

📝 Usage Notes

This word is neutral in register, suitable for both formal and informal contexts, and common in both written and spoken Chinese. It is frequently used in discussions about economics, finance, business, achievements, and statistics to describe substantial figures, profits, income, growth, or progress.

📖 Grammar Points

Often used attributively before a noun (可观 + N) or predicatively after 是/相当/很. It can be modified by degree adverbs like 相当, 很, 非常, 十分. Example pattern: 是/有 + 一笔/一个 + 相当/很 + 可观 + 的 + Noun.

🏯 Cultural Notes

Reflects a cultural appreciation for tangible, measurable success and progress, often in material or financial terms. Using it can imply praise or acknowledgment of an achievement that meets or exceeds expectations.

🔄 Similar Words

Similar to 巨大 (jùdà, huge/giant) and 大量 (dàliàng, large quantity). 可观 emphasizes that the amount is impressively large or satisfactory, often with a positive connotation of being 'respectable' or 'commendable,' whereas 巨大 is more neutral about sheer size, and 大量 simply indicates a large volume.

Master this word with quizzes, flashcards & more

Learn 可观 in CILI →

Related Words