kàopǔ: 靠谱 - Reliable, Dependable, Trustworthy

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• Summary: Learn the essential Chinese slang term “靠谱” (kàopǔ), meaning reliable, dependable, and trustworthy. This guide explains its cultural significance, how to use it to describe people, plans, and things, and how it differs from its English counterparts. Master “靠谱” to sound like a native and understand a key value in modern Chinese society.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): kàopǔ
• Part of Speech: Adjective
• HSK Level: HSK 3.0 (Band 3 - Intermediate). While not in the classic HSK 1-6 lists, it's an extremely common and essential colloquial term.
• Concise Definition: Reliable, dependable, trustworthy; not flaky or sketchy.
• In a Nutshell: “靠谱” (kàopǔ) is high praise in modern China. It describes a person, plan, or piece of information that you can count on. It's the feeling you get when someone says they'll do something, and you have complete confidence they'll follow through. The opposite, “不靠谱” (bù kàopǔ), means someone or something is flaky, unreliable, and shouldn't be trusted.

• 靠 (kào): To lean on, to rely on, to depend on. Imagine leaning against a sturdy wall for support – that's the feeling of 靠.
• 谱 (pǔ): A chart, a list, a manual, or a musical score. It implies something has a structure, a standard, and follows a logical plan. Think of a musician following sheet music (乐谱, yuèpǔ).
• Combined Meaning: The two characters create a vivid image: something you can “lean on” (靠) because it has a solid “plan or structure” (谱). A “靠谱” person isn't just reliable by chance; they are reliable because they are grounded, organized, and their actions are as predictable and consistent as a musical score.

“靠谱” is more than just a direct translation of “reliable”; it's a reflection of a core value in contemporary Chinese society. In a culture where social networks and interpersonal relationships (关系, guānxi) are paramount, being seen as a “靠谱” individual is crucial for building trust, both personally and professionally.

• Comparison to “Dependable”: While “dependable” is a good starting point, “靠谱” is more colloquial and carries a stronger sense of being “solid” and “down-to-earth.” It's less about moral righteousness (like “trustworthy”) and more about practical competence and follow-through. A friend can be honest but still “不靠谱” (bù kàopǔ) if they are always late or forget their promises.
• Social Value: Calling someone “靠谱” is a significant compliment. It means you see them as competent, responsible, and worthy of your trust. In business, finding a “靠谱” partner or employee is a top priority. In personal life, a “靠谱” friend is one you can count on in a crisis. This term underscores a societal appreciation for pragmatism, responsibility, and action over empty words.

“靠谱” is an incredibly versatile adjective used constantly in daily conversation, text messages, and informal work environments.

• Describing People: This is the most common usage. It's the ultimate compliment for a friend, colleague, or partner.
  • e.g., “我的老板很靠谱，他总是言出必行。” (My boss is very dependable; he always does what he says.)
• Describing Things, Plans, or Information: You can use it to evaluate the quality or trustworthiness of anything from a news source to a business plan or a product.
  • e.g., “这个计划听起来不太靠谱。” (This plan doesn't sound very reliable.)
• In Question Form: It's often used to seek reassurance or express skepticism.
  • e.g., “你觉得他靠谱吗？” (Do you think he's reliable?)
• The Negative - 不靠谱 (bù kàopǔ): The opposite, meaning flaky, sketchy, or unreliable, is just as common, if not more so. It's a powerful way to describe someone or something you shouldn't count on.

• Example 1:
  • 他这个人很靠谱，答应的事一定会做到。
  • Pinyin: Tā zhège rén hěn kàopǔ, dāyìng de shì yīdìng huì zuòdào.
  • English: He is a very reliable person; he will definitely do what he promises.
  • Analysis: This is a classic example of using 靠谱 to praise someone's character and dependability.
• Example 2:
  • 你找的这个搬家公司靠谱吗？别到时候把东西弄坏了。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ zhǎo de zhège bānjiā gōngsī kàopǔ ma? Bié dàoshíhòu bǎ dōngxi nòng huài le.
  • English: Is this moving company you found reliable? Don't let them break our stuff.
  • Analysis: Here, 靠谱 is used in a question to evaluate the quality and trustworthiness of a service.
• Example 3:
  • 我觉得这个主意太不靠谱了，风险太大了。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ juédé zhège zhǔyì tài bù kàopǔ le, fēngxiǎn tài dà le.
  • English: I think this idea is too unreliable; the risk is too great.
  • Analysis: The negative form, 不靠谱 (bù kàopǔ), is used to dismiss a plan or idea as poorly thought out or sketchy.
• Example 4:
  • 在网上找工作，你得找个靠谱的平台。
  • Pinyin: Zài wǎngshàng zhǎo gōngzuò, nǐ děi zhǎo ge kàopǔ de píngtái.
  • English: When looking for a job online, you have to find a dependable platform.
  • Analysis: This shows 靠谱 being applied to an inanimate object (a website/platform), meaning it's legitimate and trustworthy.
• Example 5:
  • 小王办事我放心，他一向很靠谱。
  • Pinyin: Xiǎo Wáng bànshì wǒ fàngxīn, tā yīxiàng hěn kàopǔ.
  • English: I feel at ease when Xiao Wang handles things; he has always been very reliable.
  • Analysis: This sentence links being 靠谱 directly with the feeling of “放心” (fàngxīn) - to be at ease or not worry.
• Example 6:
  • 他说他能在一个月内学会开车？太不靠谱了！
  • Pinyin: Tā shuō tā néng zài yīgè yuè nèi xuéhuì kāichē? Tài bù kàopǔ le!
  • English: He said he can learn to drive in one month? So unrealistic/unreliable!
  • Analysis: 不靠谱 is used here to mean “unrealistic” or “unbelievable.” It's a claim that doesn't seem grounded in reality.
• Example 7:
  • 这个消息靠谱吗？是从哪儿听说的？
  • Pinyin: Zhège xiāoxi kàopǔ ma? Shì cóng nǎr tīngshuō de?
  • English: Is this news reliable? Where did you hear it from?
  • Analysis: A very common way to question the validity or source of a piece of information or gossip.
• Example 8:
  • 我们需要一个靠谱的商业伙伴来一起完成这个项目。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen xūyào yīgè kàopǔ de shāngyè huǒbàn lái yīqǐ wánchéng zhège xiàngmù.
  • English: We need a dependable business partner to complete this project with us.
  • Analysis: Demonstrates the importance of the concept in a professional or business context.
• Example 9:
  • 找男朋友，长得帅不重要，靠谱才最重要。
  • Pinyin: Zhǎo nánpéngyǒu, zhǎng de shuài bù zhòngyào, kàopǔ cái zuì zhòngyào.
  • English: When looking for a boyfriend, being handsome isn't important; being reliable is the most important thing.
  • Analysis: This sentence perfectly illustrates the cultural value placed on dependability over superficial qualities.
• Example 10:
  • 与其选一个聪明的但不靠谱的员工，我宁愿选一个靠谱但学习慢一点的。
  • Pinyin: Yǔqí xuǎn yīgè cōngmíng de dàn bù kàopǔ de yuángōng, wǒ nìngyuàn xuǎn yīgè kàopǔ dàn xuéxí màn yīdiǎn de.
  • English: Rather than choose a smart but unreliable employee, I would much rather choose one who is reliable but a bit slower at learning.
  • Analysis: This complex sentence contrasts intelligence with reliability, highlighting that in many situations, 靠谱 is the more valued trait.

• Formality Mismatch: “靠谱” is colloquial. Avoid using it in very formal academic papers or official government documents. In those contexts, the word 可靠 (kěkào) is a better choice.
• False Friend - “Trustworthy”: “靠谱” is not a perfect synonym for “trustworthy.” A person can be morally trustworthy (they won't steal from you) but still “不靠谱” (unreliable) because they are disorganized, forgetful, or bad at planning. “靠谱” is more about competence and execution.
• Incorrect Usage - Factual Correctness: Don't use “靠谱” to describe a simple, verifiable fact. For example, you wouldn't say “2+2=4 is very kàopǔ.” You would say it is “对” (duì - correct). “靠谱” applies to things that involve human action, planning, or information that could potentially be unreliable.

• 不靠谱 (bù kàopǔ): The direct antonym. Means unreliable, flaky, sketchy. Essential to know.
• 可靠 (kěkào): A more formal synonym for “reliable” or “dependable.” You would see this in product manuals or written reports.
• 踏实 (tāshi): A character trait meaning down-to-earth, steadfast, and grounded. A person who is “踏实” is very likely to also be “靠谱.”
• 稳重 (wěnzhòng): Describes a person who is steady, mature, and not rash. This is another quality that contributes to someone being “靠谱.”
• 实在 (shízài): Means honest, sincere, and practical. Describes someone who doesn't boast and is genuine, a key component of being “靠谱.”
• 信赖 (xìnlài): A more formal verb/noun meaning “to trust” or “to have faith in.” It has a stronger emotional weight than “靠谱.”
• 离谱 (lípǔ): A fantastic word to learn alongside “靠谱.” Sharing the character “谱,” it literally means “to depart from the score/manual.” It translates to outrageous, ridiculous, or over-the-top. e.g., “这个价格太离谱了！” (This price is outrageous!)