Definition
靠 (kào) covers both physical leaning ('lean against') and figurative reliance ('depend on'). For physical leaning, 倚 (yǐ) is a more literary synonym; for approaching, use 靠近 (kào jìn) or 靠拢 (kào lǒng). For reliance, 依靠 (yī kào) is more formal, and 凭 (píng) is a preposition meaning 'on the basis of'.
verb
to lean againstto come near toto depend onto rely onto trust
Easily confused
- 酷kùlook-alike(loanword) cool, stylish, hip
- 烤kǎosound-aliketo roast, to bake, to broil
- 造zàolook-aliketo build; to construct; to manufacture
- 考kǎosound-aliketo take an exam or test
Examples
- 靠。Tā kào zài yǐzi shàng shuì zháo le.He leaned on the chair and fell asleep.
- 靠。Zhè cì kǎoshì zhǐ néng kào zìjǐ le.This exam can only rely on oneself.
- 。Chuán kào àn de shíhou yào zhùyì ānquán.Be careful when the boat approaches the dock.
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