靠

• Pinyin: kào
• Hanzi breakdown: 靠 = 告 (tell, phonetic) + 非 (not) — phonetic compound

Meaning

To lean on; to depend on; to be near. Describes physically leaning against something or relying on someone.

Has both physical and figurative meanings. Physically: to lean against a wall or object. Figuratively: to rely on or count on someone or something. Also used to indicate proximity.

Examples

1. 他靠在墙上休息。 He leaned against the wall to rest.
2. 做事不能只靠别人。 You can't just depend on others to do things.
3. 你的桌子靠着窗户吗？ Is your desk next to the window?

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, advice, physical position

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 靠自己最重要。(Relying on yourself is most important.)
• 请靠右边走。(Please walk on the right side.)

Don't Say

• 不要说'我靠在他' (Don't say 靠在他 — say 靠着他 or 靠在他身上 for leaning on a person)

Origin & History

A phono-semantic compound: 告 (to tell) provides the phonetic component, combined with 非 (not) as a structural element.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal