依靠 yīkào to rely on something (for support etc)
to rely on something (for support etc); to depend on
How to remember 依靠: 依 to rely on + 靠 nearby = to rely on something (for support etc).
Characters
How it is used
- To rely/depend on for support - 依靠父母 (yīkào fùmǔ) to depend on one's parents; also a noun: 精神依靠 (jīngshén yīkào) an emotional anchor.
- Implies leaning on something substantial for backing.
- Contrast 依赖 (yīlài, to depend, often with a negative 'over-reliant' tinge) - 依靠 is more neutral/positive support.
Example sentences
- 你可以依靠它。 Nǐ kěyǐ yīkào tā.You can count on it.
- 你可以依靠他。 Nǐ kěyǐ yīkào tā.You can rely on him.
- 我们得依靠自己。 Wǒmen děi yīkào zìjǐ.We're on our own.