Definition
刻意 (kè yì) means 'deliberately, intentionally' with a strong sense of conscious, effortful choice — often carrying a nuance of being forced, unnatural, or overly meticulous. It's more emphatic than 故意 (gù yì, simply 'on purpose'), more neutral than 特意 (tè yì, positive special intent), and focuses on the act of making a deliberate effort, unlike 苦心 (kǔ xīn) which emphasizes painstaking effort as a noun.
adverb
deliberatelyintentionally (with conscious choice, often negative nuance)painstakinglymeticulously (with careful effort)
Easily confused
- 可以kě yǐsound-alikecan， may (expressing permission or ability)
- 可疑kě yísound-alikesuspicious; dubious
Examples
- 。Tā shuōhuà shí kè yì bìmiǎn tí dào nà jiàn shì.He deliberately avoided mentioning that matter when speaking.
- 刻意，。Zhè jiàn zuòpǐn shì kè yì zuò chūlái de, měi yí gè xìjié dōu hěn wánměi.This piece of work was made painstakingly; every detail is perfect.
- 刻意，。Bù xūyào kè yì qù gǎibiàn zìjǐ, zuò zhēnshí de nǐ jiù hǎo.You don't need to deliberately change yourself; just be your true self.
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