How to Write 肯 (kěn) — Meaning “to be willing to; to agree”

Visualize a person saying "OK" while pointing to their own body (the ⺼ radical, like a piece of meat) and then making a "stop" gesture with their hand (止). The sounds "kěn" can remind you of "can" — if you are willing, you can do it.

Start by writing the top part ⺼ as a left-slanted stroke, then two horizontal strokes, and a hook; the bottom 止 begins with a vertical stroke. A common mistake is making the top too wide — keep the ⺼ compact so the overall character stays balanced.

肝 (gān, liver) has the same ⺼ radical but a different bottom part: 干 (dry), not 止. 肯 is about willingness, while 肝 is an organ. 㐆 is a rare character that looks like 肯 but has a different bottom — it is nearly obsolete, so you will almost never encounter it.

肯 is very common in the word 肯定 (kěndìng), meaning "sure" or "definitely," and in 不肯 (bùkěn) meaning "unwilling." Culturally, Chinese speakers often use 肯 to express polite agreement or confirmation, like saying "I’m willing" rather than a blunt "yes."

Common words containing 肯 include: 肯定 (kěn dìng) — sure; definite; to confirm; 不肯 (bù kěn) — unwilling to; 肯干 (kěn gàn) — willing to work hard.