依

• Pinyin: yī
• Hanzi breakdown: 依 = 亻(person) + 衣 (leaning on, clothing phonetic)

Meaning

To depend on; to rely on; according to. As a preposition, in accordance with or based on.

Expresses reliance, compliance with rules, or the basis for actions. Common in formal contexts for citing regulations, and in emotional contexts for describing dependence.

Examples

1. 孩子依偎在母亲怀里。 The child cuddled up against his mother.
2. 我们应该依法办事。 We should act in accordance with the law.
3. 依我看，这个方案还需要改进。 In my view, this plan still needs improvement.

Usage Guide

Context: regulations, opinions, relationships

Tone: formal

Do Say

• 依照合同规定，双方应履行各自义务。(According to the contract, both parties should fulfill their respective obligations.)
• 她从小就依赖父母的帮助。(She has relied on her parents' help since childhood.)

Don't Say

• 我依随便 — 依 requires a proper object like rules or person to depend on

Origin & History

依 = 亻(person) + 衣 (clothing, phonetic)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal