Meanings of 卻
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 卻
Podcast: 卻
Podcast: 卻
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 卻
但 (dàn) vs 卻 (què): use 卻 when emphasizing an unexpected contrast or reversal, while 但 is more straightforward for introducing a contrast.
Be careful not to confuse 卻 (què) with 但是 (dànshì), which means 'but' in a more straightforward way. 卻 is often used in literary or formal contexts, so it may sound overly formal in casual conversation. It often collocates with words expressing contrast.
Though 卻 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it can be a useful word for learners at HSK 4 and above when discussing contrasting ideas or expressing nuanced opinions. Focus on its usage in sentences to understand its role in expressing contrast.
Learners often misuse 卻 (què) by placing it in contexts where simpler conjunctions like 但是 (dànshì) would suffice. For example, saying '我想去，却下雨了' is correct, but saying '我很累，却我想去' is incorrect; it should be '但是我想去'.
Pronunciation of 卻
Drill the tone of 卻 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 卻
Phonosemantic compound. 卩 represents the meaning and 去 represents the sound. Simplified form of 卻.
seal
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 卻
Phonosemantic compound. 卩 represents the meaning and 去 represents the sound. Simplified form of 卻.
- 1The meaning half卩 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half谷 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayseal
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 卻? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 卻?
Decomposition of 卻
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 卻?
How to say still, but; decline; retreat in Chinese
“still, but; decline; retreat” in Chinese is卻
却 (què) is a conjunction and verb that conveys the meaning of 'still' or 'but,' often used to show contrast or an unexpected turn in a situation. It can also mean 'to decline' or 'to retreat,' indicating a reversal or a step back from a previous position.
When to use 卻
Be careful not to confuse 卻 (què) with 但是 (dànshì), which means 'but' in a more straightforward way. 卻 is often used in literary or formal contexts, so it may sound overly formal in casual conversation. It often collocates with words expressing contrast.
卻 or something close to it
但 (dàn) vs 卻 (què): use 卻 when emphasizing an unexpected contrast or reversal, while 但 is more straightforward for introducing a contrast.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse 卻 (què) by placing it in contexts where simpler conjunctions like 但是 (dànshì) would suffice. For example, saying '我想去，却下雨了' is correct, but saying '我很累，却我想去' is incorrect; it should be '但是我想去'.
Write 卻
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 卻 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 卻
Compound Meaning
What does 却 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 卻
Yes, but be mindful that it may sound formal; in everyday speech, you might prefer simpler words like 但是.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 卻?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.