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March 24, 2026
凭(凴)píng(ping2)
The character 凭 (píng) primarily means 'to rely on' or 'to lean against.' It is commonly used in contexts where one depends on something for support or justification, such as relying on evidence or proof. Additionally, it can convey a sense of certainty or determination, as in 'no matter what.'
Strokes8Radical几Frequency#1965DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of relying on family or community is significant, and 凭 often appears in discussions about social structures and relationships, emphasizing support and trust. For example, it's common to hear phrases about relying on one's parents for guidance.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person leaning against a tree for support, representing the character 凭. The left side (氵) reminds you of water, suggesting fluidity and dependence, while the right side (平) signifies flatness, implying stability. Together, they create a vivid image of leaning on something solid for support.
Meanings of 凭
píng(ping2)
1to lean against
2to rely on
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 凭
凭Simplified
凴Traditional
8Strokes
几Radical
介词jiècípreposition (prep.)Part of Speech
#1965Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 凭
Podcast: 凭
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AI Study Notes for 凭
Quick Contrast
凭 (píng) vs 依 (yī) — use 凭 when emphasizing reliance on evidence or justification, while 依 focuses more on dependence or support in a broader sense.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 凭 with its variant 憑; be mindful of context when choosing which to use. This character is usually found in both formal and informal settings, often in legal or academic discussions, such as '凭证' (proof/document) or '凭借' (to rely on). Pay attention to the fourth tone to avoid mispronunciation.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 凭 connects well with other words that involve dependence or support, such as 依靠 (yīkào, to rely on) and 根据 (gēnjù, according to). Focus on its usage in phrases and idiomatic expressions to enhance your fluency.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 凭 with 依 (yī, to depend on), using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我依这件事' (I rely on this matter) instead of '我凭这件事' is incorrect; it should be '我凭这件事.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 凭
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2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
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Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 凭?
Decomposition of 凭
IDS Structure⿱任几
凭Full Character
=
任Ren4
top
几ji1
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 凭?
How to say to lean against in Chinese
“to lean against” in Chinese is凭píng
The character 凭 (píng) primarily means 'to rely on' or 'to lean against.' It is commonly used in contexts where one depends on something for support or justification, such as relying on evidence or proof. Additionally, it can convey a sense of certainty or determination, as in 'no matter what.'
When to use 凭
Learners often confuse 凭 with its variant 憑; be mindful of context when choosing which to use. This character is usually found in both formal and informal settings, often in legal or academic discussions, such as '凭证' (proof/document) or '凭借' (to rely on). Pay attention to the fourth tone to avoid mispronunciation.
凭 or something close to it
凭 (píng) vs 依 (yī) — use 凭 when emphasizing reliance on evidence or justification, while 依 focuses more on dependence or support in a broader sense.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 凭 with 依 (yī, to depend on), using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我依这件事' (I rely on this matter) instead of '我凭这件事' is incorrect; it should be '我凭这件事.'
Write 凭
凭
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Grammar Patterns of 凭
凭 functions as a preposition (often called a "coverb" in Chinese). It introduces a phrase that comes BEFORE the main verb (我在家吃饭, 给妈妈打电话), unlike English which puts prepositions after the verb. It carries 6 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
