Meanings of 克
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About 克
Podcast: 克
Podcast: 克
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AI Study Notes for 克
克 (kè, to overcome) vs 战胜 (zhànshèng, to defeat) — use 克 when emphasizing the act of overcoming or restraining, while 战胜 focuses on the aspect of defeating an opponent.
Be cautious not to confuse 克 (kè) with other similar-sounding words, as its meanings can vary greatly. While it's common in both formal and informal contexts, ensure you're using it correctly in phrases like '克服困难' (overcome difficulties). Avoid using it in contexts where a softer tone might be preferable.
At HSK Level 5, 克 (kè) connects well with words related to overcoming challenges, such as 解决 (jiějué, to solve) and 战胜 (zhànshèng, to defeat). Focus on how it modifies verbs and its usage in phrases involving achievement or success.
Learners often confuse 克 (kè) with similar characters like 剋 (kè), which has a slightly different meaning. For example, saying '我克服了困难' (Wǒ kèfúle kùnnán) when one means 'I scolded the difficulties' is incorrect; it should emphasize overcoming, not scolding.
Pronunciation of 克
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Etymology of 克
Pictograph of a person (人) carrying a heavy weight on their back.
A weapon 十 used to subdue a beast 兄
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 克
Pictograph of a person (人) carrying a heavy weight on their back.
- 1The giveawayA weapon 十 used to subdue a beast 兄
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 克? 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 克?
Decomposition of 克
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 克?
How to say to be able to in Chinese
“to be able to” in Chinese is克
The character 克 (kè) has several meanings, primarily expressing the ideas of overcoming, subduing, or restraining. It can also refer to the unit of measurement for grams and is used in specific contexts such as Tibetan land area. In everyday conversation, it's commonly associated with the ability to do something or to beat an opponent.
When to use 克
Be cautious not to confuse 克 (kè) with other similar-sounding words, as its meanings can vary greatly. While it's common in both formal and informal contexts, ensure you're using it correctly in phrases like '克服困难' (overcome difficulties). Avoid using it in contexts where a softer tone might be preferable.
克 or something close to it
克 (kè, to overcome) vs 战胜 (zhànshèng, to defeat) — use 克 when emphasizing the act of overcoming or restraining, while 战胜 focuses on the aspect of defeating an opponent.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 克 (kè) with similar characters like 剋 (kè), which has a slightly different meaning. For example, saying '我克服了困难' (Wǒ kèfúle kùnnán) when one means 'I scolded the difficulties' is incorrect; it should emphasize overcoming, not scolding.
Write 克
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Practice writing 克 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 克
克 functions as a number. It almost always combines with a measure word before a noun (三个人, 五本书). Standalone numbers are rare outside of math or counting. It carries 12 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
志愿者要尽量自己____服困难。
Volunteers should try their best to overcome difficulties on their own.
Common Confusions with 克
Same pronunciation and similar shape, but different meanings.
Similar pronunciation but different meanings.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "to be able to"?
Example Sentences for 克 (10)
Cultural Notes for 克
'克' is often used in everyday language to describe overcoming difficulties, a concept cherished in Chinese culture where perseverance and resilience are highly valued.
Word Family of 克
Compound Meaning
What does 氪 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 克
克 has several meanings in Chinese, including 'to restrain' or 'to conquer'. It also serves as a measure for weight, equivalent to a gram, and as a unit for land area in Tibetan culture. The context in which it is used can change its meaning significantly.
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