可靠
kě kào HSK 5

English Meaning

📚 Example Sentences

他是可靠的朋友。
Tā shì kěkào de péngyou.
He is a reliable friend.
这个信息可靠吗?
Zhège xìnxī kěkào ma?
Is this information reliable?
我们需要可靠的建议。
Wǒmen xūyào kěkào de jiànyì.
We need reliable advice.
他很可靠。
Tā hěn kěkào.
He is very reliable.
这个信息可靠。
Zhège xìnxī kěkào.
This information is reliable.

💡 Memory Tip

Break down the characters: 可 (kě) means 'can' or 'may,' and 靠 (kào) means 'to lean on' or 'to depend on.' So, 可靠 literally means 'can be leaned on' → something/someone you can depend on → reliable.

📝 Usage Notes

Used in both formal and informal contexts, in spoken and written Chinese. Common in professional settings (e.g., describing employees, data, products) and personal relationships to express trust. It often modifies nouns like 人 (person), 朋友 (friend), 信息 (information), or 质量 (quality).

📖 Grammar Points

Typically used as an attributive adjective before a noun (可靠的人) or as a predicate with 是/很 (他是可靠的,他很可靠). Can be modified by degree adverbs like 很, 非常, 十分.

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, being described as 可靠 is a high compliment, especially in professional and social contexts, as it implies integrity, responsibility, and stability—highly valued traits. It's often sought in business partnerships and close relationships.

🔄 Similar Words

可信 (kěxìn) means 'credible' or 'believable,' focusing more on truthfulness of information. 可靠 has a broader sense, encompassing dependability in performance and character. 靠谱 (kàopǔ) is a more casual synonym for 'reliable.'

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