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March 24, 2026
可靠kěkào(ke3kao4)
The word 可靠 (kě kào) means 'reliable' or 'dependable.' It is often used to describe a person, object, or piece of information that can be trusted to perform consistently or provide accurate results. Common contexts include discussing trustworthy friends, reliable sources of information, or dependable services.
Strokes20Frequency#3358DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of reliability is highly valued in personal relationships and business. Trustworthiness can significantly impact social standing and professional opportunities, making it essential to be seen as 可靠 in both environments.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'key' (ke) that unlocks a 'boat' (kào) that safely carries you across a river. Just like this boat, something that is 可靠 is trustworthy and will not let you down. Visualize using this key to access reliable support whenever you need it.
Meanings of 可靠
kěkào(ke3kao4)
1reliable
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About 可靠
可靠Simplified
20Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#3358Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 可靠
Podcast: 可靠
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
Learners often confuse 可靠 with similar adjectives like 信任 (xìn rèn, to trust) or 稳定 (wěn dìng, stable). 可靠 is typically used in more formal contexts, so be mindful of the tone when using it in conversation. Common collocations include 可靠的朋友 (kě kào de péng yǒu, reliable friend) and 可靠的信息 (kě kào de xìn xī, reliable information).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 可靠 connects with other adjectives and verbs that convey trustworthiness, stability, and reliability. Students should focus on using it in sentences to describe people or situations, and practice with related vocabulary to enhance their understanding.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 可靠 to describe emotions or feelings, such as saying '我很可靠' (wǒ hěn kě kào, I am reliable) when they mean to express trustworthiness in a specific context. Instead, focus on describing others or objects that can be relied upon.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 可靠
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The word 可靠 (kě kào) means 'reliable' or 'dependable.' It is often used to describe a person, object, or piece of information that can be trusted to perform consistently or provide accurate results. Common contexts include discussing trustworthy friends, reliable sources of information, or dependable services.
When to use 可靠
Learners often confuse 可靠 with similar adjectives like 信任 (xìn rèn, to trust) or 稳定 (wěn dìng, stable). 可靠 is typically used in more formal contexts, so be mindful of the tone when using it in conversation. Common collocations include 可靠的朋友 (kě kào de péng yǒu, reliable friend) and 可靠的信息 (kě kào de xìn xī, reliable information).
Learners often mistakenly use 可靠 to describe emotions or feelings, such as saying '我很可靠' (wǒ hěn kě kào, I am reliable) when they mean to express trustworthiness in a specific context. Instead, focus on describing others or objects that can be relied upon.
Write 可靠
可
靠
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Grammar Patterns of 可靠
可靠 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
