HSK 5
靠
kào
to depend
Structure
Subject + 靠 + Person/Method + Verb/Result
How it works
The character 靠 (kào) typically means 'to rely on' or 'to depend on' someone or something to achieve a goal or for survival. It can also mean 'to be leaning against' physically or 'to be near' a location. In HSK 5 contexts, it frequently describes the source of support, income, or assistance.
Examples
他完全靠自己的努力取得了成功。
Tā wánquán kào zìjǐ de nǔlì qǔdéle chénggōng.
He achieved success entirely by depending on his own hard work.
我们不能总是依靠父母的经济支持。
Wǒmen bùnéng zǒngshì yīkào fùmǔ de jīngjì zhīchí.
We cannot always rely on our parents' financial support.
他喜欢靠着窗户坐，因为光线好。
Tā xǐhuān kàozhe chuānghu zòu, yīnwèi guāngxiàn hǎo.
He likes to sit by the window because the light is good.
Common mistakes
Confusing 靠 with 依靠; while often interchangeable, 靠 is more common in spoken language and can mean physical leaning, whereas 依靠 is more formal and strictly implies emotional or financial dependence.
Tip
Think of 靠 as a 'support' verb. If you are leaning on a wall (physical) or leaning on a friend (abstract), use 靠.
More HSK 5 grammar
See 靠 in real Chinese
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