凭

• Pinyin: píng
• Hanzi breakdown: 凭 = 冫 (ice) + 任 (to assign) — simplified form meaning to lean on, rely

Meaning

To rely on; by means of; based on; proof. To depend on something as basis or evidence, or the credential itself.

As a verb, means to rely on or lean against. As a preposition, means by, based on, or according to. 凭什么 (on what basis, why should). 凭证 (voucher, proof). 凭借 (by means of). 凭空 (out of thin air, groundlessly).

Examples

1. 凭他的能力，这个项目肯定能成功。 Based on his abilities, this project will definitely succeed.
2. 你凭什么说我做错了？ On what basis do you say I did something wrong?
3. 入场需要凭票进入。 Entry requires presenting a ticket.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, reasoning, credentials

Tone: direct

Do Say

• 凭经验来看，这个方法应该可行。(Based on experience, this method should work.)
• 凭身份证可以办理手续。(You can process the paperwork with your ID card.)

Don't Say

• 说'凭在椅子'表示靠在椅子上 (Don't use just 凭 for physically leaning — use 靠; 凭 as 'lean' is literary/archaic)

Origin & History

凭 originally depicted leaning on something. The simplified form uses 冫 + 任, meaning to rely or lean on.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal