刻意

kè yì

HSK 3.0 Level 7 Adverb Uncommon

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Definitions

1. intentionally; deliberately; purposely
2. painstakingly; meticulously

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Word relationships

Antonyms

1 item

• 无意 wú yì 无意 wú yì inadvertent Means 'unintentionally; inadvertently', opposite of the intentional sense.: inadvertent

Related words

2 items

• 用心 yòng xīn 用心 yòng xīn motive Related to the 'meticulously' sense, meaning to put effort into something.: motive
• 精心 jīng xīn 精心 jīng xīn with utmost care Means 'elaborately; meticulously', similar to the painstaking sense of 刻意.: with utmost care

Synonyms

1 item

• 故意 gù yì 故意 gù yì deliberately; on purpose Both mean 'intentionally', but 刻意 emphasizes careful, deliberate effort, often with a nuance of going out of one's way.: deliberately; on purpose

Usage notes

Collocations

Typically used before a verb to indicate a deliberate, often contrived action; can sometimes carry a negative connotation of being forced or artificial.

Common mistakes

Do not confuse with 故意 (gùyì): 故意 implies willful intent (often negative), while 刻意 emphasizes careful, purposeful effort (neutral or positive).

Example Sentences

1 shown

他 刻意 放慢了语速。

He deliberately slowed down his speech.

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Words Containing 刻意

• 刻意求工 刻意求工 kè yì qiú gōng: assiduous and painstaking
• 刻意为之 刻意为之 kè yì wéi zhī: to make a conscious effort

Child Words of 刻意

• 刻 刻 kè: quarter (hour)
• 意 意 yì: idea