Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
可不是()kěbúshi(ke3bu2shi5)
可不是 (kě bù shì) is an expression used to affirm a statement, similar to saying 'that's exactly right' or 'that's just how it is' in English. It conveys strong agreement or acknowledgment, often used in conversations to emphasize a point or validate someone's opinion.
Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, expressing agreement or validation is important in maintaining harmony in conversations. Using phrases like 可不是 can help build rapport by showing that you are listening and valuing the other person's perspective.
Memory Tip
Think of 可 (kě) as 'can' or 'able', 不 (bù) as 'not', and 是 (shì) as 'is'. Imagine someone saying, 'It can’t not be true!' to reinforce that something is indeed the case. Visualize a person nodding vigorously in agreement, highlighting the affirmation aspect of the phrase.
Meanings of 可不是
kěbúshi(ke3bu2shi5)
1that's just the way it is
2exactly!
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 可不是
可不是Simplified
Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
副词fùcíadverb (adv.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 可不是
Podcast: 可不是
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 可不是
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 可 (kě) as 'can' or 'able', 不 (bù) as 'not', and 是 (shì) as 'is'. Imagine someone saying, 'It can’t not be true!' to reinforce that something is indeed the case. Visualize a person nodding vigorously in agreement, highlighting the affirmation aspect of the phrase.
Usage Notes
This expression is often used in informal conversations, so it may not be appropriate in very formal contexts. A common mistake is to use it too seriously; it should convey a light-hearted agreement rather than a heavy affirmation. Be cautious with the tones; mispronouncing could lead to confusion.
HSK Study Tips
While not specifically listed in HSK levels, this phrase is useful for intermediate learners as it strengthens conversational skills. Students should focus on practicing it within dialogues to gain fluency in expressing agreement.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, expressing agreement or validation is important in maintaining harmony in conversations. Using phrases like 可不是 can help build rapport by showing that you are listening and valuing the other person's perspective.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 可不是 with 不是 (bù shì), which simply means 'is not'. For instance, saying 可不是 when disagreeing is incorrect; instead, use it only to affirm statements.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 可不是
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 可不是 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 可不是 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Cultural Notes for 可不是
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, expressing agreement or validation is important in maintaining harmony in conversations. Using phrases like 可不是 can help build rapport by showing that you are listening and valuing the other person's perspective.
Frequently Asked Questions about 可不是
You can use 可不是 when you want to agree with someone emphatically or confirm that what they said is accurate.
It is primarily informal, suitable for conversations among friends or peers.
It is better suited for spoken language; in writing, especially formal writing, consider using more formal expressions of agreement.