Usage and Meaning
The character 肯 (kěn) primarily means 'to agree to' or 'to be willing to do something.' It often expresses a person's readiness or consent to take an action. It can also be used in a more abstract sense to indicate certainty or affirmation, especially in the phrase 肯定 (kěndìng), meaning 'to affirm' or 'to be sure.'
Common Collocations
- 肯帮忙 (kěn bāngmáng): willing to help
- 肯定 (kěndìng): to affirm, to be sure
- 肯吃苦 (kěn chīkǔ): willing to endure hardship
Usage Notes
When 肯 is used alone, it usually emphasizes willingness or consent. It is often followed by a verb indicating the action the speaker agrees to do. In contrast, 肯定 is a fixed expression used to express certainty or affirmation, not just willingness.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse 肯 with 能 (néng), which means 'can' or 'be able to.' 肯 emphasizes willingness, while 能 emphasizes ability.