B1 noun Neutral 1 min read

可信

kexin /kə̌.ɕɪn/

The word '可信' signifies that something or someone is believable and trustworthy.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Credible; able to be believed.
  • Implies reliability and trustworthiness.
  • Used for information, sources, and people.

Overview

“可信” (kě xìn) 是一个形容词,意思是“值得相信的”、“可靠的”。它用来评价信息、来源、人物或声明的真实性和可信度。当一个信息源被认为是“可信”的,意味着它提供的信息是准确的、不带偏见的,并且可以被采信。同样,一个“可信”的人是指他/她诚实守信,言行一致,值得他人信赖。

“可信”通常用作谓语或定语。作为谓语,它后面可以跟“的”或直接使用。例如:“这个消息并不可信。”(谓语)“他是一个非常可信的人。”(定语)。它也可以用于“使...可信”的结构,表示使某事变得可信。

在日常生活中,“可信”常用于讨论新闻报道的真实性、朋友提供的信息的可靠性、或者对某人的评价。在学术或专业领域,它也常用于评估研究数据、专家意见或官方声明的可信度。例如,我们会说“这个科学研究的结果是可信的”,或者“这位专家的分析很有可信度”。

“可信”与“可靠” (kě kào) 意思相近,都表示值得信赖。但“可靠”更侧重于事情的稳固性、持久性和不易出差错,比如“可靠的设备”、“可靠的计划”。而“可信”更侧重于信息的真实性和来源的信誉,比如“可信的消息”、“可信的证人”。“相信” (xiāng xìn) 是动词,表示认为某人或某事是真的或可靠的,是“可信”的动作或状态。例如:“我相信他说的话。”(动词)“他说的话很有可信度。”(形容词)。

Examples

1

这个消息来源并不可信,我们最好再确认一下。

everyday

The source of this news is not credible; we'd better confirm it again.

2

作为一名科学家,他必须确保自己的研究结果是可信的。

academic

As a scientist, he must ensure that his research results are credible.

3

他为人正直,言而有信,是个非常可信的人。

formal

He is upright and keeps his promises; he is a very trustworthy person.

4

别听他的,他说的那些话根本不可信。

informal

Don't listen to him; what he says is not credible at all.

Common Collocations

可信度 Credibility
不可信 Incredible; not credible
值得信赖 Trustworthy (often used interchangeably or in similar contexts)

Common Phrases

可信度很高

High credibility

消息可信

Credible news

发言可信

Credible statement

Often Confused With

可信 vs 可靠

'可信' (kě xìn) focuses on the truthfulness and believability of information or a source. '可靠' (kě kào) emphasizes stability, consistency, and reliability, often used for things like equipment, plans, or methods that won't fail.

可信 vs 相信

'相信' (xiāng xìn) is a verb meaning 'to believe' or 'to trust'. '可信' is an adjective meaning 'credible' or 'believable'. You '相信' something that is '可信'.

Grammar Patterns

Subject + 很/非常/十分 + 可信 (e.g., 这个消息很可信) Subject + (并)不可信 (e.g., 他的说法并不可信) 使 + Subject + 可信 (e.g., 证据使他的说法更可信)

How to Use It

Usage Notes

The term '可信' is widely used across various registers, from casual conversation to formal writing. It's a neutral to positive descriptor. When used negatively ('不可信'), it strongly implies doubt or falsehood.


Common Mistakes

Learners might confuse '可信' (credible) with '可靠' (reliable), using it where stability is implied rather than truthfulness. Also, mistaking it for the verb '相信' (to believe) is common.

Tips

💡

Focus on Trustworthiness

Use '可信' when emphasizing the believability of information or the trustworthiness of a source.

⚠️

Distinguish from 'Reliable'

While similar, '可信' focuses on truthfulness, whereas '可靠' often implies consistency and stability.

🌍

Importance of Credibility

In Chinese culture, like many others, credibility ('信誉') is highly valued in personal relationships and business dealings.

Word Origin

'可' (kě) means 'able to' or 'can', and '信' (xìn) means 'trust', 'belief', or 'faith'. Together, '可信' literally means 'able to be trusted' or 'believable'.

Cultural Context

Trust ('信') is a fundamental virtue in Chinese culture, emphasized in Confucian philosophy. Maintaining credibility and being seen as trustworthy is crucial in both personal and professional interactions.

Memory Tip

Think of '可信' as 'can be trusted'. The character '信' (xìn) itself means trust or belief, making it easier to remember its core meaning.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

“可信”主要指信息或来源真实,值得相信。而“可靠”更侧重于事物性能稳定,不易出问题,比如设备或计划。虽然有时可以互换,但侧重点不同。

当你评价信息的真实性、评价一个人的品格(是否诚实守信),或者评估一个信息来源(如媒体、专家)是否值得信赖时,都可以使用“可信”。

是的,“可信”可以用来形容人,表示这个人诚实、守信、言出必行,值得他人信赖。

“可信”是褒义词,表示肯定和赞扬,说明某人或某事具有积极的品质。

Test Yourself

fill blank

这位记者的报道一向很______,我们可以相信他提供的信息。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 可信

这里需要形容“报道”的性质,表示报道的内容真实,值得相信,所以用“可信”。“可靠”可以形容报道,但“可信”更侧重于内容的真实性。

multiple choice

以下哪个选项最能解释“可信”的意思?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: A

“可信”的核心意思是“能够被相信”,强调真实性和可靠性。

sentence building

请用“消息”、“不”、“来源”、“这个”、“可信”组成一个句子。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: C

“并不可信”是固定搭配,表示“并非那么可信”或“完全不可信”。句子结构为“主语+谓语”,主语是“这个消息来源”。

Score: /3

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