靠拢

• Pinyin: kào lǒng
• Hanzi breakdown: 靠 = 告 (inform) + 非 — to lean, depend; 拢 = 扌(hand) + 龙 (dragon, phonetic) — to gather

Meaning

To move closer; to draw near; to come together.

Can be physical (people/things moving closer) or abstract (ideas, positions converging; aligning with someone's views or camp). Often used in political contexts for alignment. Collocates with 向...靠拢 (move towards), 彼此靠拢 (move closer to each other).

Examples

1. 两党在这个问题上的立场逐渐靠拢，达成共识的可能性增加了。 The two parties' positions on this issue are gradually converging, increasing the possibility of reaching consensus.
2. 拍照时大家往中间靠拢一点，不然拍不全。 When taking the photo, everyone move closer to the middle — otherwise we won't all fit.
3. 他在工作中不断向优秀同事靠拢，学习他们的长处。 He constantly moves closer to excellent colleagues at work, learning from their strengths.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, groups, relationships

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 大家靠拢一点。(Everyone move closer together.)
• 向组织靠拢。(To align with the organization.)

Don't Say

• 我靠拢了杯子。(For moving an object, use 移近 or 拿近; 靠拢 is for people/groups moving closer or abstract alignment)

Origin & History

靠 (to lean on, approach) + 拢 (to gather, bring together). To approach and gather.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal