靠谱
kàopǔ
Literally says
following the score
Actually means
reliable, trustworthy, someone who actually delivers
When to say it
The highest everyday compliment for a person. Use it for a coworker who finishes what they promise, a landlord who fixes things fast, a friend who shows up on time. The opposite, bù kàopǔ, is a soft word but a real insult.
Hear it in the wild
这个新同事特别靠谱。
Zhège xīn tóngshì tèbié kàopǔ.
This new colleague is super reliable.
找搬家公司一定要找靠谱的。
Zhǎo bānjiā gōngsī yídìng yào zhǎo kàopǔ de.
When hiring movers, you have to find a trustworthy one.