可谓
kě wèi
Can be said to be
可 (kě) — evaluative judgment
Subj. + 可谓 (kěwèi) + Adj. / Noun
HSK 7–93.0
Pattern diagram
Who / what可谓What like
Rule structure
可谓 (kěwèi) is a literary form meaning "one may call it, truly." It introduces an evaluation and stresses how aptly a description fits the situation. It is typically followed by an adjective, a noun phrase, or a set evaluative expression. It is less common in casual speech and appears more in written and public texts.
Rule structure
可谓 (kěwèi) is a literary form meaning "one may call it, truly." It introduces an evaluation and stresses how aptly a description fits the situation. It is typically followed by an adjective, a noun phrase, or a set evaluative expression. It is less common in casual speech and appears more in written and public texts.
Examples
这次合作可谓一举两得。
Zhè cì hézuò kěwèi yìjǔ-liǎngdé.
This cooperation achieves two benefits at once.
Examples
这次合作可谓一举两得。
Zhè cì hézuò kěwèi yìjǔ-liǎngdé.
This cooperation achieves two benefits at once.
Try this rule
Two short exercises: see how the rule works in a dialogue and in a sentence. No sign-up needed.
Words from this rule
Frequently asked questions
How do you say “evaluative judgment” in Chinese with 可?
Use the structure: Subj. + 可谓 (kěwèi) + Adj. / Noun. For example: 这次合作可谓一举两得。 — “This cooperation achieves two benefits at once”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
这次合作可谓一举两得。 — “This cooperation achieves two benefits at once”.
Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?
This grammar rule is part of HSK 3.0 Levels 7–9.
Tomyo
Learn Chinese grammar with smart reviews
Grammar explanations, exercises and spaced repetition — all in one app.
More HSK 3.0 Levels 7–9 grammar rules
巴不得 vs 恨不得 — strong wishes
Subj. + 巴不得 (bābude) / 恨不得 (hènbude) + Verb
犯不着 vs 犯得着 — worth doing or not
Subject + 犯不着 (fànbuzháo) + Verb; Action/Context + 犯得着 (fàndezháo) + 吗 (ma)?
可否 — formal “could you…” request
可否 (kěfǒu) + Verb
免不了 — inevitable, unavoidable
Subj. + 免不了 (miǎnbuliǎo) + Verb / Adj.
向来 — always previously
Subj. + 向来 (xiànglái) + Verb / Adj.
偏 — contrary to expectations
Subj. + 偏偏 (piānpiān) + Verb (undesirable coincidence)
无非 — nothing but
无非 (wúfēi) + Noun / Clause (dismissive)
何必 — why bother
何必 (hébì) + Verb Phrase (rhetorical, unnecessary)