凭 / 凭借
by virtue of; on the strength of
Structure
主语 凭／凭借 依靠的东西 动词
What it means
By virtue of; on the strength of: names the ability, resource or proof someone relies on to achieve or qualify for something.
How it is built
Subject + 凭／凭借 + what is relied on + verb: 他凭自己的努力考上了大学 (He got into university through his own efforts). Typical: 能力, 经验, 实力, 关系.
When to use it
凭借 is written; 凭 is neutral; 靠 is the plain spoken 'rely on'. 凭什么？ is a challenge: 'on what grounds?' 凭票入场 means admission by ticket.
Watch out
Not for a tool you handle: ✗ 我凭筷子吃饭 ✓ 我用筷子吃饭. 凭什么 sounds confrontational, so use it with care.
Examples
它们凭借庞大的国内市场迅速成长。
They grew fast on the strength of a huge home market.
他凭自己的努力考上了大学。
He got into university through his own efforts.
Learn this in Lesson 53 · HSK 6: 互联网巨头 (The internet giants)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. This lesson is free.
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