may; can; to be able to; to suit; to fit; worth; deserving (可怜, 可爱); but; yet
可 is permission and ability: 可以 'may', 可能 'possible'. It also marks feelings (可爱 'lovable') and turns with 可是 'but'.
GF0025–2021 character list · 二级WHOLE GLYPH & STRUCTURE
ZDIC detailed source: 会意，从口、从丂 (an offering stand) — 'singing before the stand'. The modern frame is written like 丁; the old 丂 (kǎo) shape is not shown as such.
WHOLE CHARACTER
may; can; to be able to; to suit; to fit; worth; deserving (可怜, 可爱); but; yet
可 is permission and ability: 可以 'may', 可能 'possible'. It also marks feelings (可爱 'lovable') and turns with 可是 'but'.
ZDIC detailed source: 会意，从口、从丂 (an offering stand) — 'singing before the stand'. The modern frame is written like 丁; the old 丂 (kǎo) shape is not shown as such.
OUTER FRAME: THE TOP BAR AND RIGHT HOOK — THE WRITTEN FRAME OF THE OLD 丂 (KǍO)
adult male; fourth heavenly stem
Standalone meaning is kept separate from its sound role.
In 可: outer frame: the top bar and right hook — the written frame of the old 丂 (kǎo) The frame happens to be written like 丁; the word dīng is not taught here. kě shares only the k- initial and tone 3 with kǎo; the final differs.
INNER: THE MOUTH PIECE (ZDIC: 从口)
mouth; opening
Mouth/speech/opening clue; may also be a repeated visual element.
In 可: inner: the mouth piece (ZDIC: 从口) Shown with its documented or clearly limited role.
Kept for the historical title 可汗 (kèhán) of ancient northern peoples; no learner words.
No common modern word is offered for this reading; the dictionary sense remains in Sources.
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