可 kě
“(prefix) can; may; able to; -able; to approve; to permit; to suit”
verb, conjunction, adverb2021 list level 5
新HSK等级2025 HSK 3.0 syllabus level
可 appears in the November 2025 exam syllabus in the following numbered entry. Levels refer to the listed reading and use, not every meaning.
- Entry 731: 可 kě — Level 3; official annotation 3（5） (连、（副）). PDF page 98
Separate from the HSK 2.0 and 2021 list labels above. Compare the three lists.
用法How to use 可
As an adverb, 可 adds strong emphasis in exclamations and warnings: 可好了／可别忘了／可把我累坏了. As a conjunction it is a short colloquial form of 可是, meaning 'but' (房间不大，可很干净). A rare second reading kè appears only in 可汗 (kèhán, 'khan'), which is not needed at this level.
例句Example sentences
- 你出门在外，可要注意身体。nǐ chū mén zài wài, kě yào zhù yì shēn tǐ.While you're away from home, do take good care of yourself.
- 这道题可不容易，你再想想。zhè dào tí kě bù róng yì, nǐ zài xiǎng xiǎng.This question is really not easy—think about it again.
- 房间不大，可很干净。fáng jiān bú dà, kě hěn gān jìng.The room isn't big, but it's very clean.
易混词Easily confused
可vs可以
可以 is a modal verb placed before another verb to show permission or ability (可以进去吗); 可 is an emphasising adverb (可别忘了) or the short form of 可是 'but'.
义项All meanings
- kě: (prefix) can; may; able to; -able; to approve; to permit; to suit; (particle used for emphasis) certainly; very
- kè: used in 汗