依附 yīfù to adhere
to adhere; to attach oneself to; to append
How to remember 依附: 依 to rely on + 附 near to = to adhere.
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How it is used
- To attach oneself to / be dependent on - 小公司依附于大企业 (xiǎo gōngsī yīfù yú dà qǐyè) the small firm is dependent on the big enterprise.
- Often mildly negative, implying loss of independence: 依附权贵 (attach oneself to the powerful).
- Contrast 依靠 (yīkào, rely on, neutral/positive); 依附 suggests clinging dependence or subordination.