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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
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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.
Memory Mnemonic
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.
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.
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.
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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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 7 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.
píng wǒ duì tā de le jiě， ， tā bù huì shuǎ huá tóu。
From what I know of him he doesn't play silly games.
9
哥伦比亚队凭借流畅的传球和终场前的制胜进球击败了他们。
gē lún bǐ yà duì píng jiè liú chàng de chuán qiú hé zhōng cháng qián de zhì shèng jìn qiú jī bài le tā mén。
They were outplayed by the Colombians' slick passing and decisive finishing.
10
她抓得紧紧的，任凭冰冷湍急的水流从她身上倾泻而下。
tā zhuā dé jǐn jǐn de， ， rèn píng bīng lěng tuān jí de shuǐ liú cóng tā shēn shàng qīng xiè ér。
She hung on as the freezing, rushing water cascaded past her.
Cultural Notes for 凭
🏮Cultural insight
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.
Word Family of 凭
Words Containing This Character20
凭píngto rely on憑
凭借píngjièto rely on憑借
文凭wénpíngdiploma文憑
凭空baseless (lie)憑空
凭证píngzhèngproof憑證
任凭despite任憑
凭据evidence憑據
凭吊to visit a place for the memories憑弔
凭空捏造fabrication relying on nothing (idiom); frame-up憑空捏造
听凭to allow (sb to do as he pleases)聽憑
凭单bill of warrant (certificate, allowing one to collect money or valuables)憑單
凭栏to lean on a parapet憑欄
凭祥Pingxiang county level city in Chongzuo 崇左[Chóngzuǒ], Guangxi憑祥
真凭实据definitive evidence真憑實據
凭祥市Pingxiang county level city in Chongzuo 崇左[Chóngzuǒ], Guangxi憑祥市
凭仗to rely on憑仗
口说无凭(idiom) you can't rely on a verbal agreement口說無憑
凭依to rely on憑依
凭信to trust憑信
凭靠to use憑靠
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 凭 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 凭
Common phrases include '凭证' (píngzhèng, proof/document) and '凭借' (píngjiè, to rely on).
Yes, 凭 is used in both spoken and written contexts, particularly in formal writing.
Yes, it can express disbelief or a lack of reliance, such as in '我不凭这个' (I don't rely on this).
