“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.
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.
In Question Form: It's often used to seek reassurance or express skepticism.
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.