靠 kào

靠（kào）means “靠 'to rely on / to lean against / by' marks support, reliance, or position”. 靠 can be a full verb 'to rely on / lean on' (靠自己 'rely on oneself') and also a coverb of position 'against / by' (靠墙站 'stand against the wall'). Formation: 靠 + 对象（人/物）+ 主句

靠 'to rely on / to lean against / by' marks support, reliance, or position

HSK4

Formation

靠 + 对象（人/物）+ 主句

Explanation

靠 can be a full verb 'to rely on / lean on' (靠自己 'rely on oneself') and also a coverb of position 'against / by' (靠墙站 'stand against the wall'). When it introduces what one depends on, the coverb phrase precedes the main verb: 靠努力成功 'succeed through effort'.

Examples

成功要靠自己的努力。
chénggōng yào kào zìjǐ de nǔlì.
Success depends on your own effort.
他靠着墙站着。
tā kào zhe qiáng zhàn zhe.
He is standing leaning against the wall.

Note

靠 often takes 着 for position (靠着墙). Reliance sense: 靠自己, 靠父母.

FAQ

靠 — what does it mean and how is it used?

靠 'to rely on / to lean against / by' marks support, reliance, or position. 靠 can be a full verb 'to rely on / lean on' (靠自己 'rely on oneself') and also a coverb of position 'against / by' (靠墙站 'stand against the wall'). When it introduces what one depends on, the coverb phrase precedes the main verb: 靠努力成功 'succeed through effort'.

靠 — how do you form it?

靠 + 对象（人/物）+ 主句

靠 — any usage notes?

靠 often takes 着 for position (靠着墙). Reliance sense: 靠自己, 靠父母.

Learn in the app →