Definition
依靠 (yīkào) means 'to rely on' and is a neutral, standard term for depending on someone or something (money, support, effort). Unlike 靠 (kào), which is more colloquial and often used alone, 依靠 is common in both formal and everyday contexts. 依赖 (yīlài) adds a negative tone of excessive dependence, while 支持 (zhīchí) means 'to support' (the opposite direction—you give support, not receive it).
verb
to rely onto depend on
noun
supportbacking
Examples
- 依靠。Nǐ bù néng zǒngshì yī kào biérén.You can't always rely on others.
- 依靠。Gōngsī de fāzhǎn yī kào dàjiā de nǔlì.The company's growth relies on everyone's hard work.
- ,依靠。Fùmǔ lǎo le, zǐnǚ jiù chéngwéi tāmen de yī kào.When parents get old, their children become their support.
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