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B1 adjective 10 min read

可靠的

kěkào de
Examples 可靠的 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 可靠的 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you can think of '可靠的' (kěkào de) as a way to say a friend is 'good' or 'can help.' While it is a bit advanced for a total beginner, you might hear it when people talk about their family or a good car. Think of it as 'can lean on.' If you have a friend who always helps you, you can say '他很好' (He is good), but if you want to be more specific, you can learn '他很可靠' (He is reliable). It's like saying someone is a 'sturdy' person you can depend on. Don't worry about the complex characters yet; just focus on the sound 'kě kào' and the idea of 'leaning' on someone.
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For A2 learners, '可靠的' becomes useful for describing things you use every day. You can use it to talk about your mobile phone, your bike, or your teacher. In A2, you are learning to give reasons for your opinions. For example, 'I like this phone because it is reliable' (我喜欢这部手机，因为它很可靠). You should start noticing that 'de' (的) is used when the word comes before a noun, like '可靠的朋友' (reliable friend). It is a great word to add to your vocabulary because it helps you describe people beyond just 'good' or 'nice.'
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At the B1 level, you are expected to use '可靠的' in a variety of contexts, including work and news. You should understand that it applies to information ('reliable news') as well as people and machines. You can now use it to compare things: 'This brand is more reliable than that one' (这个品牌比那个更可靠). You should also learn the opposite, '不可靠' (unreliable), to express doubt. B1 learners should be comfortable using this word in business emails or when asking for recommendations, like 'Do you know a reliable doctor?' (你认识可靠的医生吗？).
B2 learners should master the nuances between '可靠' and its synonyms like '稳重' (steady) or '靠谱' (slang for reliable). You should be able to discuss the 'reliability' of abstract concepts, such as a 'reliable economic policy' or a 'reliable scientific theory.' At this level, you might also encounter the noun form '可靠性' (reliability) in technical or academic texts. You should be able to explain *why* something is reliable using complex sentence structures and specific evidence. You will also start to see it in literature and more formal media reports.
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As a C1 learner, you should use '可靠' with precision, distinguishing it from '诚信' (integrity) or '稳妥' (safe/secure). You will encounter the word in legal, medical, and high-level business contexts. You should understand how '可靠' functions in idiomatic expressions and formal rhetoric. For example, in a political speech, '可靠' might be used to describe the bedrock of a nation's security. You should also be able to detect subtle irony if someone uses '可靠' sarcastically to describe someone who is clearly untrustworthy. Your usage should feel natural and contextually appropriate.
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At the C2 level, '可靠' is a word you use instinctively. You understand its historical roots and how the concept of 'reliability' has evolved in Chinese culture. You can engage in deep philosophical discussions about what makes a source 'reliable' in the age of digital information. You can use the word in sophisticated writing, such as academic papers or literary critiques, where you might analyze the 'reliability' of a narrator. You are also aware of regional variations in how the word is used across the Chinese-speaking world, from Beijing to Singapore.
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Examples

可靠的 in 30 Seconds

  • Used to describe people, things, or info that you can depend on or trust completely.
  • Literally means 'able to be leaned on,' suggesting strength, stability, and consistent performance.
  • Essential for business, daily life, and technical contexts to evaluate quality and character.
  • Often used with '很' (hěn) as a predicate or with '的' (de) before a noun.

The Chinese word 可靠的 (kěkào de) is a cornerstone adjective used to describe someone or something that is dependable, trustworthy, and consistent. At its linguistic root, the word is composed of kě (meaning 'can' or 'able to') and kào (meaning 'to lean on' or 'to depend on'). When you combine them with the possessive or adjective-marking particle de, you literally describe something that is 'lean-on-able.' This evocative imagery suggests a person or object that provides structural support, much like a sturdy wall or a reliable pillar in a building. In modern Mandarin, it is the primary way to express the English concepts of 'reliable,' 'dependable,' and 'trustworthy' across a wide variety of contexts, from personal relationships to mechanical performance.

Interpersonal Trust
When describing a person, '可靠的' implies that they keep their promises, show up on time, and handle responsibilities with integrity. It is the highest praise for a colleague or a friend.

他是一个非常可靠的人，你可以把这项任务交给他。(He is a very reliable person; you can entrust this task to him.)

Beyond people, the term is frequently applied to inanimate objects, systems, and information. If a car doesn't break down, it is kěkào de. If a news source consistently provides accurate facts, it is kěkào de. If a scientific method yields consistent results, it is also kěkào de. This versatility makes it an essential B1-level word because it bridges the gap between simple descriptive adjectives and more complex abstract concepts. You will hear it in business negotiations when discussing suppliers, in romantic contexts when evaluating a partner's character, and in technical fields when assessing data validity.

Product Quality
Used in marketing to describe high-quality appliances or vehicles that have a long lifespan and low failure rates.

这种品牌的洗衣机一直以可靠的质量著称。(This brand of washing machine has always been famous for its reliable quality.)

Understanding the nuance of this word involves recognizing that it isn't just about 'being good.' It is about 'being consistently good over time.' It requires a track record. You wouldn't call a new acquaintance 'kěkào' immediately; they must prove their reliability through actions. Similarly, a piece of information is only 'kěkào' if it comes from a source with a history of accuracy. This temporal element—the history of performance—is inherent in the word's usage.

Information Accuracy
Used to describe news, data, or reports that are verifiable and not based on rumors.

我们需要从可靠的渠道获取消息。(We need to obtain news from reliable channels.)

这一份数据是经过多次验证的，非常可靠。(This data has been verified many times and is very reliable.)

在紧急情况下，你需要一个可靠的伙伴。(In an emergency, you need a reliable partner.)

Mastering 可靠的 (kěkào de) requires understanding its grammatical placement within the Chinese sentence structure. As an adjective, its most common role is to modify a noun, appearing directly before the noun it describes. In this position, the particle de (的) is almost always mandatory. For instance, in the phrase '可靠的来源' (reliable source), '可靠' modifies '来源'. This structure is the standard way to attribute the quality of reliability to an object or person.

Attributive Usage (Before Noun)
Structure: [Adjective] + 的 + [Noun]. This is used to define a specific type of noun.

我们正在寻找一个可靠的投资机会。(We are looking for a reliable investment opportunity.)

When '可靠' is used as a predicate—meaning it follows the subject to describe it—the sentence structure changes. Usually, you will use an adverb of degree like hěn (很 - very), fēicháng (非常 - extremely), or tèbié (特别 - especially) before the adjective. In these cases, the 'de' at the end is often omitted, though including it can add a sense of emphasis or finality (e.g., '他是可靠的' emphasizes that reliability is his defining characteristic).

Predicative Usage (After Subject)
Structure: [Subject] + [Adverb] + [Adjective]. This describes the state or quality of the subject.

这个老员工做事一直都非常可靠。(This veteran employee has always been very reliable in his work.)

Another important usage is in the negative form. To say something is 'unreliable,' you add bù (不) before the adjective: bù kěkào (不可靠). This is a very common way to express skepticism or dissatisfaction. It can be used for rumors (不可靠的消息), people who flake on plans (不可靠的朋友), or faulty technology (不可靠的系统).

Comparisons
You can use comparison structures like '比' (bǐ) to compare the reliability of two things.

这台旧电脑比那台新的更可靠。(This old computer is more reliable than that new one.)

Finally, '可靠' can be used in complex sentences to justify a decision. Because someone or something is reliable, a certain action is taken. This often uses the '因为...所以...' (yīnwèi... suǒyǐ...) pattern. For example, 'Because he is reliable, I hired him.' This demonstrates the practical application of the word in daily reasoning and decision-making processes.

虽然他经验不多，但由于他为人可靠，公司还是录用了他。(Although he doesn't have much experience, because he is reliable, the company still hired him.)

你必须找一个可靠的人来修理你的屋顶。(You must find a reliable person to repair your roof.)

The word 可靠的 (kěkào de) is ubiquitous in Chinese society, reflecting the high value placed on stability and trust. You will encounter it in diverse environments, from professional corporate settings to casual conversations between neighbors. In the workplace, it is one of the most frequently used adjectives in performance reviews and project planning. Managers use it to describe employees who can be trusted with sensitive information or high-stakes projects, and engineers use it to discuss the 'reliability' (可靠性 - kěkàoxìng) of hardware and software systems.

In the Workplace
Used to evaluate staff, contractors, and technical systems. It often appears in formal reports and business emails.

我们需要一个可靠的供应商来保证原材料的供应。(We need a reliable supplier to guarantee the supply of raw materials.)

In the realm of consumerism and advertising, '可靠的' is a powerful marketing term. Whether it's a bank advertising its financial stability, a car manufacturer highlighting safety features, or a household appliance brand promising longevity, '可靠' is the keyword used to build consumer confidence. When shopping on platforms like Taobao or JD.com, users often look for '可靠的卖家' (reliable sellers) who have high ratings and positive feedback. Hearing this word in a commercial is meant to soothe the buyer's anxiety about product failure or fraud.

News and Media
Journalists use it to qualify their sources. A 'reliable source' (可靠消息来源) is the hallmark of credible reporting.

据可靠的消息人士透露，政府即将出台新政策。(According to reliable sources, the government is about to issue a new policy.)

In social and family life, the word takes on a more personal tone. Parents might describe a potential spouse for their child as '可靠,' meaning they are responsible and will provide a stable home life. Friends use it when recommending services—like a good mechanic or a trustworthy doctor. In these contexts, '可靠' isn't just a technical description; it's a social endorsement. If someone says '这人不可靠' (this person isn't reliable) about someone you know, it is a serious warning that should not be ignored.

Daily Life Recommendations
Used when asking for or giving advice on where to go or who to hire.

你能推荐一个可靠的装修公司吗？(Can you recommend a reliable renovation company?)

在网上买东西，一定要找可靠的店铺。(When buying things online, you must look for reliable shops.)

他的话并不总是可靠，你最好再核实一下。(His words are not always reliable; you'd better verify them again.)

While 可靠的 (kěkào de) is a versatile word, learners often encounter pitfalls by confusing it with similar terms or applying it in contexts where another word would be more precise. One of the most common mistakes is confusing kěkào with xìnrèn (信任 - to trust). While they are related, xìnrèn is a verb or a noun representing the act of trusting, whereas kěkào is an adjective describing the quality that makes one worthy of trust. You 'trust' (信任) someone because they are 'reliable' (可靠).

Confusion with 'Trust' (信任)
Mistake: '我可靠他' (I reliable him). Correct: '我信任他' (I trust him) or '他是可靠的' (He is reliable).

错误：他是一个信任的朋友。(Wrong: He is a 'trust' friend. Correct: 他是一个可靠的朋友。)

Another frequent error is using '可靠' when '安全' (ānquán - safe) is intended. For example, if you want to say a neighborhood is 'safe,' you should use '安全,' not '可靠.' While a safe neighborhood might be 'reliable' in its safety, '可靠' specifically focuses on the consistency and dependability of a person or a function. Using '可靠' for physical safety sounds unnatural and can lead to confusion in everyday conversation.

Confusion with 'Safe' (安全)
Mistake: '这个地方很可靠' (This place is reliable - when meaning safe). Correct: '这个地方很安全' (This place is safe).

虽然这个梯子看起来很旧，但它依然很可靠。(Correct: Although this ladder looks old, it is still reliable/sturdy.)

Lastly, learners sometimes forget to use the intensifier '很' (hěn) when using '可靠' as a predicate. In Chinese, simple adjectives are rarely used alone after a subject unless a comparison is being made. Saying '他可靠' (He reliable) sounds like half a sentence or a comparative statement ('He is reliable, but the other guy isn't'). To say 'He is reliable' as a general statement, you must say '他很可靠.'

Grammatical Omission
Mistake: '这个消息可靠。' (This news reliable - sounds incomplete). Correct: '这个消息很可靠。'

这种方法被证明是非常可靠的。(This method has been proven to be very reliable.)

不要相信那些不可靠的传言。(Don't believe those unreliable rumors.)

他并不是一个可靠的证人。(He is not a reliable witness.)

To truly sound like a native speaker, you need to know when to use 可靠的 (kěkào de) and when to opt for its synonyms. While '可靠' is the most general and widely used term, others offer specific nuances. For example, wěnzhòng (稳重) also implies reliability but specifically describes a person's personality as being 'steady,' 'mature,' and 'composed.' You would use wěnzhòng to describe a young man who acts with the wisdom of an elder, whereas kěkào simply means he does what he says he will do.

可靠 vs. 稳重 (Wěnzhòng)
Reliable vs. Steady/Mature. Kěkào is about the result; Wěnzhòng is about the personality trait.

他年纪轻轻就很稳重，做事也非常可靠。(He is very steady for his age, and his work is also very reliable.)

Another synonym is kàopǔ (靠谱). This is a more informal, colloquial term that has become extremely popular in mainland China over the last decade. It essentially means the same thing as '可靠,' but it's used more in casual conversation, slang, and social media. If you want to sound 'hip' or relaxed with friends, you might say someone is 'hěn kàopǔ.' In a formal business report, however, you should stick to 'kěkào.'

可靠 vs. 靠谱 (Kàopǔ)
Formal/Standard vs. Informal/Slang. Kàopǔ is used in daily life to mean 'reasonable' or 'dependable.'

你找的那个人靠谱吗？(Is that person you found reliable/cool? - Informal)

For technical contexts, you might see wěndìng (稳定), which means 'stable.' While a reliable system is usually stable, '稳定' specifically refers to the lack of fluctuation or change. A 'stable' internet connection (稳定的网络) is one that doesn't drop, whereas a 'reliable' internet connection (可靠的网络) might be one that you can always count on to be there when you need it, even if the speed fluctuates slightly.

可靠 vs. 诚信 (Chéngxìn)
Reliable vs. Honest/Integrity. Chéngxìn is a moral quality; Kěkào is a functional quality.

作为一个商人，诚信是最重要的品质。(As a businessman, integrity is the most important quality.)

我们需要更稳妥的方案。(We need a more reliable/secure plan.)

这个系统非常扎实，经得起考验。(This system is very solid/reliable and can stand the test.)

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Examples by Level

1

他是一个可靠的人。

He is a reliable person.

Subject + be + a + reliable + person.

2

我的车很可靠。

My car is very reliable.

Possessive + noun + intensifier + adjective.

3

这个朋友很可靠。

This friend is very reliable.

Demonstrative + noun + intensifier + adjective.

4

他是可靠的吗？

Is he reliable?

Question form using 'ma'.

5

我不认识可靠的医生。

I don't know a reliable doctor.

Negative verb + adjective + noun.

6

可靠的人很少。

Reliable people are few.

Adjective + noun + intensifier + few.

7

这是可靠的消息。

This is reliable news.

This + is + adjective + noun.

8

你要找可靠的帮手。

You need to find a reliable helper.

You + must + find + adjective + noun.

1

虽然他很年轻，但是他做事很可靠。

Although he is young, he is reliable in his work.

Although... but... structure.

2

我们需要找一个可靠的保姆。

We need to find a reliable nanny.

Verb 'find' + adjective + noun.

3

这部手机的电池非常可靠。

This phone's battery is very reliable.

Possessive structure + intensifier + adjective.

4

可靠的消息对我们很重要。

Reliable news is very important to us.

Adjective + noun + prepositional phrase.

5

我不觉得这个计划可靠。

I don't think this plan is reliable.

Negative 'think' + subject + adjective.

6

他是一个值得信任、可靠的伙伴。

He is a trustworthy and reliable partner.

Double adjective description.

7

这个钟表一直很可靠。

This clock has always been reliable.

Adverb 'always' + adjective.

8

买东西要选可靠的商店。

When buying things, choose reliable stores.

Action + must + choose + adjective + noun.

1

在面试中，表现出你是一个可靠的人很重要。

In an interview, it's important to show that you are a reliable person.

Gerund-like phrase as subject.

2

如果没有可靠的数据，我们就无法做决定。

Without reliable data, we cannot make a decision.

If... then... (implied) structure.

3

这种老式的机械通常比电子设备更可靠。

This old-fashioned machinery is usually more reliable than electronic devices.

Comparison using 'bǐ'.

4

为了安全，请务必使用可靠的登山装备。

For safety, please be sure to use reliable climbing gear.

Purpose clause + imperative.

5

他不仅聪明，而且是一个非常可靠的同事。

He is not only smart but also a very reliable colleague.

Not only... but also... structure.

6

由于缺乏可靠的消息来源，传言迅速蔓延。

Due to a lack of reliable sources, rumors spread quickly.

Cause and effect structure.

7

我们需要建立一个可靠的客户服务系统。

We need to establish a reliable customer service system.

Verb 'establish' + complex object.

8

经过多年的测试，这个系统已经被证明是可靠的。

After years of testing, this system has been proven to be reliable.

Passive-like 'proven to be' structure.

1

在波动的市场中，寻找可靠的避风港是投资者的首选。

In a volatile market, looking for a reliable safe haven is the investors' first choice.

Prepositional phrase + complex subject.

2

一个可靠的领导者不仅要有远见，还要能赢得下属的信任。

A reliable leader must not only have vision but also be able to win the trust of subordinates.

Complex description of a leader.

3

实验结果的可靠性取决于样本的大小和质量。

The reliability of experimental results depends on the size and quality of the sample.

Noun form 'kěkàoxìng' used as a subject.

4

尽管他承诺了很多，但他的话往往并不可靠。

Despite his many promises, his words are often not reliable.

Concessive clause using 'jǐnguǎn'.

5

我们需要一套可靠的应急预案来应对突发状况。

We need a reliable set of emergency plans to deal with unexpected situations.

Measure word 'tào' used for a set of plans.

6

信誉是企业最宝贵的财富，因为它代表了可靠的品质。

Reputation is a company's most precious asset because it represents reliable quality.

Reasoning clause using 'yīnwèi'.

7

在科学研究中，获取可靠的原始数据是至关重要的。

In scientific research, obtaining reliable raw data is crucial.

Adjective + adjective + noun.

8

他以其可靠的性格和卓越的能力赢得了众人的尊重。

He won everyone's respect with his reliable character and outstanding ability.

Using 'yǐ' to indicate the means or reason.

1

证据的可靠性在法律审判中起着决定性的作用。

The reliability of evidence plays a decisive role in legal trials.

Abstract noun as subject in a formal context.

2

在构建复杂的软件架构时，系统的可靠性设计是核心考量之一。

When building complex software architectures, system reliability design is one of the core considerations.

Technical terminology and formal structure.

3

历史学家必须对史料进行严谨的考证，以确保其可靠性。

Historians must conduct rigorous research on historical materials to ensure their reliability.

Formal verb 'kǎozhèng' (verify) and purpose clause.

4

这种评估方法虽然传统，但在大多数情况下依然是可靠的。

Although this assessment method is traditional, it remains reliable in most cases.

Concessive structure with 'suīrán... dàn...'.

5

在信息爆炸的时代，辨别信息的可靠性成为了一项必备的技能。

In the era of information explosion, discerning the reliability of information has become an essential skill.

Complex gerund-like subject phrase.

6

该项目的成功很大程度上归功于其可靠的合作伙伴关系。

The success of the project is largely due to its reliable partnerships.

Formal phrase 'guīgōng yú' (attribute to).

7

我们需要对该地区的电力供应可靠性进行深入评估。

We need to conduct an in-depth assessment of the reliability of the power supply in this region.

Multi-layered noun phrase.

8

他那可靠的直觉曾多次帮助他在商场中化险为夷。

His reliable intuition had helped him turn danger into safety in the business world many times.

Adjective modifying an abstract noun 'intuition'.

1

在哲学探讨中，感官经验的可靠性一直是一个备受争议的话题。

In philosophical discussions, the reliability of sensory experience has always been a highly controversial topic.

Highly abstract and academic subject matter.

2

为了确保核能设施的安全，其运行系统的可靠性必须达到极高的标准。

To ensure the safety of nuclear facilities, the reliability of their operating systems must meet extremely high standards.

Complex modal verbs and formal requirements.

3

这种政治体制的长期稳定性建立在可靠的法律框架之上。

The long-term stability of this political system is built on a reliable legal framework.

Abstract political and legal terminology.

4

在处理外交关系时，一个可靠的承诺比任何形式的威慑都更有效。

In handling diplomatic relations, a reliable commitment is more effective than any form of deterrence.

Comparative structure in a formal geopolitical context.

5

该论文通过大量的实验数据，有力地证明了新算法的可靠性。

Through a large amount of experimental data, the paper strongly proves the reliability of the new algorithm.

Formal academic writing style.

6

在一个充斥着伪科学的环境中，普及可靠的科学知识显得尤为重要。

In an environment filled with pseudoscience, popularizing reliable scientific knowledge is particularly important.

Complex sentence with a relative clause-like start.

7

这家百年老店之所以长盛不衰，全靠其始终如一、可靠的信誉。

The reason this century-old shop has flourished is entirely due to its consistent and reliable reputation.

Structure 'zhī suǒyǐ... shì yīnwèi/quán kào...'.

8

在极端天气条件下，通信网络的可靠性面临着严峻的挑战。

Under extreme weather conditions, the reliability of communication networks faces severe challenges.

Formal noun-heavy structure.

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