靠 / 凭 + Object
Reach for these when you want to name the MEANS by which someone achieves something — what they are relying on, leaning on, or trading on. 靠 (kào) is the everyday version: 靠运气 = by luck, 靠自己 = on one's own. 凭 (píng) is more formal and a bit more deliberate, often used in writing or weighty speech: 凭实力 = by sheer skill, 凭什么 = on what basis.
Structure
靠 [OBJECT] (+ Verb) / 凭 [OBJECT] (+ Verb)
kào / píng + [OBJECT]
How to Think About It
靠 still carries its physical sense of 'to lean against' — leaning on a wall, leaning on someone. The means-marker use is the same metaphor: this is the thing supporting the action. 凭 starts from 'evidence / basis' (凭证 = proof) and means 'on the strength of.' That difference in flavor controls register: 靠 sounds personal and grounded; 凭 sounds principled and a bit argumentative. 凭什么? = 'on what grounds?!' is the angry version; you would never say 靠什么 in that tone.
Examples
他靠自己的努力考上了大学。
tā kào zìjǐ de nǔlì kǎo shàng le dàxué.
He got into college on his own hard work.
这家店靠口碑生存。
zhè jiā diàn kào kǒubēi shēngcún.
This shop survives on word of mouth.
凭这一点，他就值得一个机会。
píng zhè yì diǎn, tā jiù zhídé yí gè jīhuì.
On this alone, he deserves a chance.
Common Mistake
Learners use 用 (use) when they should use 靠 (rely on). 用 names a tool or instrument (用筷子 = with chopsticks); 靠 names the resource you are depending on (靠经验 = relying on experience). Saying 用经验 sounds like you are operating experience like a machine.
他用经验解决了这个问题。
他靠经验解决了这个问题。
Don't Confuse With
用 + Object
用 names an instrument or method (用刀切). 靠/凭 names a resource being leaned on. Use 用 for tools; use 靠/凭 for skills, relationships, qualities.
通过 + Object
通过 means 'via / through' — emphasizes the channel or process. 通过努力 = through hard work, with a sense of progression. 靠努力 = relying on hard work, with a sense of dependence.
凭什么？
Fixed challenge phrase — 'on what basis?!' Use only when contesting a claim. Plain 凭 + noun is neutral.
Practice
Fill the blank: 他____运气赢了这场比赛。
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靠
Fill the blank: ____什么你说我错了？
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凭
Arrange: 靠 / 工作 / 找到了 / 朋友 / 他
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他靠朋友找到了工作。
Translate to Chinese: She built this company on her own.
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她靠自己建起了这家公司。
Write a sentence using 靠 or 凭 to name a resource someone relies on.
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他靠真本事赢得了大家的尊重。
Hear It in Real Episodes
This pattern appears in 1 Fluentide episode: