Chinese word

堪称

Pronunciation

Pinyinkān chēng

Meaning

  • verbcan be called

Example

这本小说堪称当代佳作。zhè běn xiǎo shuō kān chēng dāng dài jiā zuò

This novel can be called a contemporary masterpiece.

Illustration for 堪称 (can be called)

More examples

这部影片堪称当代经典。zhè bù yǐng piàn kān chēng dāng dài jīng diǎn

This film can be called a contemporary classic.

Core concept

A quality reaches the level at which a particular title or judgment truly fits.

Common phrases

  • 堪称当代经典kān chēng dāng dài jīng diǎn

    can be called a contemporary classic

  • 堪称文学典范kān chēng wén xué diǎn fàn

    can be called a literary exemplar

Similar words

值得zhí de: Be worth doing, having, or experiencing because the result makes it worthwhile.
称得上chēng de shàng: Deserve to be known by a particular name or favorable description.
当之无愧dāng zhī wú kuì: Be fully worthy of a title or favorable judgment in every respect.

Definition in Chinese

达到可以被称为某种称号、称赞或评价的程度或品质。dá dào ké yǐ bèi chēng wéi móu zhǒng chēng hào chēng zàn huò píng jià de chéng dù huò pǐn zhì

Word origin

堪 (kān, "be sufficient") + 称 (chēng, "call or assess") forms the idea that something meets the level required for a particular description.

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, this expression sounds formal and emphatic, so it is especially common in polished comments about books, people, or achievements.

Opposites

  • 算不上suàn bú shàngfail to qualify asverb

Word lists with this word