Chinese word

肯

Pronunciation

Pinyinkěn

Meaning

  • auxiliary verbbe willing to

Example

你肯帮我吗？nǐ kěn bāng wǒ ma

Are you willing to help me?

Illustration for 肯 (be willing to)

More examples

很多人不太肯改变习惯。hěn duō rén bú tài kěn gǎi biàn xí guàn

Many people are not very willing to change their habits.

Core concept

A person's agreement gives the following action a personal green light.

Common phrases

  • 肯承认kěn chéng rèn

    be willing to admit

  • 肯负责kěn fù zé

    be willing to take responsibility

  • 肯吃苦kěn chī kǔ

    be willing to endure hardship

Similar words

愿意yuàn yì: Shows that a person is ready and willing to do something.
想xiǎng: Shows that a person wants or plans to do something.
可以ké yǐ: Shows that a person has permission to do something.
能néng: Shows that a person can do something because of ability or suitable conditions.

Definition in Chinese

表示愿意做某事的助动词，通常置于动词前，表示主体有做某事的意愿或同意。例：你肯帮我吗？biǎo shì yuàn yì zuò mǒu shì de zhù dòng cí tōng cháng zhì yú dòng cí qián biǎo shì zhú tǐ yǒu zuò mǒu shì de yì yuàn huò tóng yì lì nǐ kěn bāng wǒ ma

Word origin

肯 (kěn, "be willing to") carries the core idea of saying yes to an action, so its auxiliary use presents that action as accepted by its subject.

Usage tips

  • A reply using this word concerns a person's choice to take part, so unwillingness can be expressed even when the person has the skill and opportunity to act.

Other meanings

  • consentverb
  • agreeverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word