kěyǐ le: 可以了 - It's Ready, That's Enough, It's Okay Now

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• Summary: “可以了” (kěyǐ le) is an essential and highly versatile phrase in Mandarin Chinese that every beginner should learn. Its core meaning translates to “it's ready,” “that's enough,” or “it's okay now.” Used constantly in daily life, “可以了” signals that a situation has reached a point of sufficiency, completion, or acceptability, whether you're telling a friend they've poured enough tea, confirming a task is finished, or indicating a problem has been resolved.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): kěyǐ le
• Part of Speech: Phrase / Verb Phrase
• HSK Level: HSK 2 (based on its components 可以 and 了)
• Concise Definition: Indicates that something is now sufficient, complete, or acceptable.
• In a Nutshell: Think of “可以” (kěyǐ) as meaning “can” or “is okay.” Adding the particle “了” (le) signifies a change of state. So, “可以了” (kěyǐ le) means something has now *become* okay, sufficient, or ready. It's the verbal equivalent of giving a thumbs-up and saying, “We're good,” “That'll do,” or “It's all set.”

• 可 (kě): This character means “can,” “to approve,” or “to permit.” It's a component in many words related to possibility and approval, like `可爱 (kě'ài)` - cute (able to be loved) or `可能 (kěnéng)` - possible.
• 以 (yǐ): This character means “to use” or “by means of.”
• 了 (le): This is one of the most important particles in Chinese. It doesn't have a direct English translation but indicates a completed action or, in this case, a change of state. It's the key that transforms the meaning.

When combined, `可以 (kěyǐ)` forms a word meaning “can,” “may,” or “okay.” Adding `了 (le)` signals that this state of “okay-ness” has just been reached. The situation has changed from “not yet ready/sufficient” to “now ready/sufficient.”

While not a deep philosophical term, “可以了” is deeply woven into the fabric of daily social etiquette in China. It's a tool for expressing consideration and maintaining harmony. A classic example is when a host is serving a guest. The host might continuously pour tea or pile food onto the guest's plate to show hospitality. The guest will say, “可以了, 可以了!” (Kěyǐ le, kěyǐ le!) to indicate “That's enough, thank you.” In this context, it's much softer and more polite than a direct “Stop.” It communicates gratitude and consideration, implying “You've already given me plenty, don't trouble yourself further.” This contrasts with Western directness where “That's good, thanks” or “Okay, stop” might be used. The repetition (“可以了可以了”) softens the phrase further and is extremely common, making it a friendly and polite way to signal that one's needs have been met. It's a small but significant gesture of social grace.

“可以了” is used constantly in a variety of everyday situations.

This is its most common use, especially when receiving something. It's a polite way to stop someone from giving you more.

• When getting a drink poured.
• When a shopkeeper is bagging items for you.
• When someone is adding sugar or salt to your food.

This signals that a task, process, or preparation is now complete.

• A chef in a kitchen might shout “菜可以了!” (cài kěyǐ le!) - “The dish is ready!”
• An IT technician after fixing your laptop might say, “好了，可以了” (hǎo le, kěyǐ le) - “Okay, it's all set now.”

This is used when a problem has been solved or a negative situation has ended.

• Comforting a crying child who has just calmed down: “不哭了，可以了” (bù kū le, kěyǐ le) - “Don't cry anymore, it's okay now.”
• After adjusting a machine that wasn't working: “你再试试，现在可以了” (nǐ zài shìshi, xiànzài kěyǐ le) - “Try it again, it should be okay now.”

• Example 1: (At the dinner table, someone is pouring you a drink)