(kěn) — to be willing to; to consent

Definition

肯 marks the subject's inner willingness to do something. Unlike 同意 (agreeing to a request) or 答应 (promising), it focuses on the person's readiness, often in 'if you're willing to…' or 'not willing to' clauses.

verb
to be willing toto consent

Examples

  • Tā bù kěn qù, wǒ men yě méi bàn fǎ.
    He's not willing to go, so there's nothing we can do.
  • Zhǐ yào nǐ kěn xué, wǒ jiù kě yǐ jiào nǐ.
    As long as you're willing to learn, I can teach you.
  • Tā kěn jiè qián gěi wǒ.
    He is willing to lend me money.

Browse more HSK 6 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.