Chinese word

靠

Pronunciation

Pinyinkào

Meaning

  • verbrely on

Example

遇到困难不要总是靠别人。yù dào kùn nán bú yào zǒng shì kào bié rén

Do not always rely on others when you run into difficulties.

Illustration for 靠 (rely on)

More examples

他把头靠在桌子上休息。tā bǎ tóu kào zài zhuō zi shàng xiū xī

He rested with his head against the table.

Core concept

Support comes from contact or closeness: a body leans on a surface, or a person depends on available help.

Common phrases

  • 靠父母kào fù mǔ

    rely on parents

  • 靠在窗户kào zài chuāng hù

    lean against the window

Similar words

依靠yī kào: Depending on a person or resource as a basis for living or acting.
依赖yī lài: Depending on a person or thing for emotional or practical support.

Definition in Chinese

依赖某人、某物或某种条件以获得帮助或支持；也可表示身体上或空间上靠近、倚靠。yī lài mǒu rén mǒu wù huò móu zhǒng tiáo jiàn yǐ huò dé bāng zhù huò zhī chí yě kě biǎo shì shēn tǐ shàng huò kōng jiān shàng kào jìn yǐ kào

Word origin

The earlier physical use of 靠 (kào, "lean against") provides the basis for its later abstract use, as support from contact becomes support from another person or condition.

Usage tips

  • The noun after this verb helps show its meaning: a person or resource signals dependence, while a place signals nearness or movement toward it.

Other meanings

  • lean againstverb
  • approachverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word