| què | but/yet/however/while/to go back/to decline/to retreat/nevertheless/even though |
| 却 | but yet however |
| 却之不恭 | to refuse would be impolite |
| 却之不恭，受之有愧 | To decline would be disrespectful but to accept is embarrassing. |
| 却倒 | but on the contrary but unexpectedly |
| 却才 | just now |
| 却敌 | repulse the enemy |
| 却步 | to step back |
| 却步不前 | step back, dare not go forward. |
| 却步而行 | to walk stepping backwards |
| 却病 | to prevent or treat a disease |
| 却病延年 | prevent disease and prolong life; banish illness and increase long life |
| 却而不受 | to refuse to accept |
| 却说 | and the story continues thus: (literary auxiliary particle 發語辭|发语辞) |