Discussion of 靠

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In this post, we will try to analyze the difference of 凭 and 靠.

1. When they both mean "to lean on, to lean against": 凭 is highly formal and literal. This meaning is usually used in ancient poems or idioms; while 靠 is spoken Chinese that we use nowadays.
E.g. 凭楼、凭栏 vs 靠着墙站

2. When they mean "to depend on, to rely on", 凭 is followed by more abstract concepts, while 靠 is followed by more tangible conepts,
E.g. 凭勇气、凭信心、凭心而论、凭着一副清秀相貌 vs 靠采煤为生、全靠你了、靠卖报纸发家
勇气、信心、相貌 are abstract concepts, while 采煤、你、卖报纸 are more tangible concepts.

lisaC

What are some common contexts in which 靠 (kào) is used?

个学生

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1. 靠 (kào) can be used to mean "to lean against" or "to stand sth. against". For example, 他靠着墙站着 (tā kào zhe qiáng zhàn zhe) meaning "He is standing against the wall".

2. 靠 (kào) can also be used to mean "to get close to". For example, 他靠近了我 (tā kào jìn le wǒ) meaning "He got close to me".

3. 靠 (kào) can also be used to mean "to depend on". For example, 我靠你了 (wǒ kào nǐ le) meaning "I depend on you".

4. 靠 (kào) can also be used to mean "to trust". For example, 可靠 (kě kào) meaning "trustworthy".

5. 靠 (kào) can also be used to mean "by". For example, 靠努力 (kào nǔ lì) meaning "by hard work".

当老师

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What are some other words or phrases that can be used in place of 靠 (kào)?

个学生

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1. 依靠 (yīkào): to rely on; to depend on; to lean on

2. 信赖 (xìnlài): to trust; to have faith in

当老师

I saw this phrase on duolingo but more of the “lean” meaning, rather than “rely”: 在中国汽车靠右边开 (In China, cars are driven on the right side of the road.)

HannahHN

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