肯
To be willing
Use '肯' to describe someone's willingness to act, especially when it requires effort or grit.
15초 만에
- Expresses internal willingness or consent to perform an action.
- Commonly used to praise someone's work ethic or persistence.
- Frequently appears in the negative '不肯' to show refusal.
뜻
Think of this as saying someone is 'willing' or 'agreeable' to do something. It implies they aren't just doing it, but they have the heart or the guts to actually follow through.
주요 예문
3 / 6Talking about a stubborn toddler
孩子不肯吃饭。
The child refuses to eat.
Praising a hardworking colleague
他很肯干，大家都喜欢他。
He is very willing to work; everyone likes him.
Asking a friend for a favor
你肯帮我这个忙吗？
Are you willing to do me this favor?
문화적 배경
The character '肯' originally referred to the meat attached to bones. Over time, it evolved to mean 'agreement' or 'willingness,' perhaps suggesting a deep, skeletal level of consent. In modern China, it is frequently used in work ethics to describe someone who is 'willing to put in the work' (肯干).
The 'Hardship' Compliment
If you want to impress a Chinese boss, use '肯吃苦' (kěn chī kǔ) to describe your work ethic. It literally means 'willing to eat bitterness' and is the ultimate gold star for employees.
Don't use for 'Can'
New speakers often confuse 'willing' with 'able.' If you have a broken leg, you '不能' (cannot) walk. If you are just lazy, you '不肯' (won't) walk.
15초 만에
- Expresses internal willingness or consent to perform an action.
- Commonly used to praise someone's work ethic or persistence.
- Frequently appears in the negative '不肯' to show refusal.
What It Means
肯 (kěn) is a powerful little word. It means being willing or consenting to do something. It is about your internal attitude. If you use 肯, you are saying 'yes' from the inside. It is simpler than 愿意 (yuànyì). It feels more direct and punchy. It often implies a bit of effort is involved.
How To Use It
Place 肯 right before a verb. It functions like a helper. For example, 他不肯走 means 'He won't leave.' He is refusing to budge. You can also use it to praise someone. If a friend works hard, say they are 肯吃苦. This means they are willing to endure hardship. It is a high compliment in Chinese culture. Don't overthink the grammar. Just treat it as a 'willingness' toggle for your verbs.
When To Use It
You use this when discussing choices. Use it when someone is being stubborn. Use it when you are impressed by someone's dedication. It is perfect for workplace talk. 'Is the boss willing to give a raise?' That is a 肯 moment. It is also great for dating. 'Does she like me enough to go out?' You are looking for that 肯.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for simple physical ability. That is for 能 (néng). If you are forced to do something, don't use 肯. 肯 implies a choice was made. Also, avoid using it for long-term dreams. Use 愿意 for 'I do' at a wedding. 肯 is a bit too casual for a tuxedo moment. Using it there might make you sound like you're just 'okay' with the marriage.
Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, being 肯 is a virtue. It is linked to the idea of 'eating bitterness.' If you are 肯干 (willing to work), people will trust you. It shows you have a good character. It dates back to ancient texts about sincerity. Today, it is used to judge someone's grit. It is the difference between a dreamer and a doer.
Common Variations
The most common variation is 不肯 (bù kěn). This is the 'I won't' of the Chinese world. You will hear parents saying this about kids who won't eat veggies. Another one is 肯不肯 (kěn bù kěn). This is the 'Will you or won't you?' question. It is direct and leaves no room for excuses. Use it when you need a straight answer.
사용 참고사항
The word is neutral in formality. It is very versatile—use it for kids, colleagues, or even yourself when describing your determination.
The 'Hardship' Compliment
If you want to impress a Chinese boss, use '肯吃苦' (kěn chī kǔ) to describe your work ethic. It literally means 'willing to eat bitterness' and is the ultimate gold star for employees.
Don't use for 'Can'
New speakers often confuse 'willing' with 'able.' If you have a broken leg, you '不能' (cannot) walk. If you are just lazy, you '不肯' (won't) walk.
The Stubborn 'Kěn'
When someone says '他不肯' about a third person, there is often a slight tone of frustration or helplessness. It implies the person is being difficult on purpose.
예시
6孩子不肯吃饭。
The child refuses to eat.
Using '不肯' shows the child's active refusal.
他很肯干，大家都喜欢他。
He is very willing to work; everyone likes him.
'肯干' is a standard way to describe a diligent person.
你肯帮我这个忙吗？
Are you willing to do me this favor?
A direct way to ask for help.
老板不肯便宜一点。
The boss isn't willing to lower the price.
Commonly used when a seller won't budge.
我的猫不肯理我。
My cat refuses to pay attention to me.
Personifies the cat's stubborn attitude.
为了梦想，她肯付出一切。
For her dreams, she is willing to give everything.
Shows deep emotional commitment.
셀프 테스트
Choose the best word to describe someone refusing to go to school.
弟弟___去学校。
'不肯' indicates a lack of willingness, which fits the context of a child refusing.
Complete the sentence to praise someone's effort.
只要你___努力，就一定会成功。
'肯努力' means 'willing to put in effort,' which is the prerequisite for success here.
🎉 점수: /2
시각 학습 자료
Formality of 'Willingness'
Used with friends or kids.
他不肯走。
Standard daily communication.
你肯帮我吗？
More polite or written form.
愿意 (yuànyì)
When to use 肯 (kěn)
Work Ethic
肯吃苦 (Willing to endure hardship)
Refusal
不肯吃 (Refuse to eat)
Favors
你肯吗？ (Are you willing?)
Pet Behavior
不肯过来 (Won't come over)
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문They are close, but 愿意 (yuànyì) is more formal and often used for desires or long-term wishes. 肯 is more about the immediate act of consenting or being willing to do something difficult.
Yes! Use it to praise someone's attitude, like 肯学习 (willing to learn). It shows they have a proactive mindset.
You can use the 'A-not-A' structure: 你肯不肯？ (Are you willing or not?). It's very direct.
Absolutely. It's very common when discussing if a partner is 'willing' to accept certain terms or conditions.
No, it's the opposite. It implies they have the choice and they are choosing to say yes.
Usually no. It requires a mind. However, people humorously use it for things that 'refuse' to work, like 这台电脑不肯开机 (This computer won't start).
The most common is 不肯 (bù kěn), meaning 'refuse' or 'unwilling.' You'll hear this constantly in daily life.
It is standard Mandarin and used equally across all regions of China.
Technically yes, but it sounds a bit abrupt. It's better to say 肯帮 or 愿意.
Using it to mean 'want' (想). If you want an ice cream, use 想. If you are willing to pay $10 for it, use 肯.
관련 표현
愿意
To be willing/wishful (more formal)
肯干
Willing to work hard
不肯
To refuse/be unwilling
心甘情愿
To be perfectly happy/willing to do something
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