Usage of 刻 (kè)
The character 刻 has two main uses: as a noun meaning 'quarter of an hour' (15 minutes), and as a verb meaning 'to carve' or 'to engrave.' When telling time, 刻 is used after the hour to indicate 15-minute increments, e.g., 三点一刻 (3:15). As a verb, it often appears with objects like 字 (characters) or 名字 (names) to describe engraving or carving.
Additional Meanings
Besides literal carving, 刻 can also be used metaphorically to describe intense effort or diligence, as in 刻苦学习 (study diligently). It can also appear in expressions like 刻意, meaning 'deliberately' or 'intentionally,' showing a purposeful action.
Common Collocations
- 一刻钟 (yí kè zhōng): a quarter of an hour, used to specify time duration.
- 刻字 (kè zì): to carve or engrave characters.
- 刻苦 (kè kǔ): hardworking, diligent.
- 刻意 (kè yì): deliberately, intentionally.
Notes
When using 刻 to tell time, it always follows the hour and precedes 分 if minutes are specified. Avoid confusing 刻 with 分, which means 'minute' in general. 刻 specifically refers to 15-minute intervals. As a verb, 刻 is more formal and often used in written or artistic contexts rather than casual speech.