Definitions

(verb) to depend on; to rely on
(preposition) according to; based on
(verb) to comply with; to follow

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 依 is a phono-semantic compound with the semantic radical 亻 (rén, person) on the left and the phonetic component 衣 (yī, clothing) on the right. The person radical connects the meaning to human interaction, pointing to the original sense of leaning against something or someone for physical support. From this concrete action, the meaning extended metaphorically to signify dependence on others for emotional or practical support, compliance with rules, or adherence to established guidelines. Thus, 依 encapsulates a conceptual progression from physical leaning to abstract notions of reliance and conformity.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

然喜欢这里。

Wǒ yīrán xǐhuān zhèlǐ.

I still like it here.

孩子靠父母长大。

Háizi yīkào fùmǔ zhǎng dà.

Children rely on their parents to grow up.

据法律,这是违法的。

Yījù fǎlǜ, zhè shì wéifǎ de.

According to the law, this is illegal.

次排队入场。

Qǐng yīcì páiduì rù chǎng.

Please enter in order by queuing up.

他太赖手机了。

Tā tài yīlài shǒujī le.

He is too dependent on his phone.

照计划,我们明天出发。

Yīzhào jìhuà, wǒmen míngtiān chūfā.

According to the plan, we will depart tomorrow.

尽管困难重重,他靠自己的努力取得了成功。

Jǐnguǎn kùnnán chóngchóng, tā yīrán yīkào zìjǐ de nǔlì qǔdéle chénggōng.

Despite numerous difficulties, he still relied on his own efforts to achieve success.

在缺乏明确据的情况下,我们必须照相关规定次处理这些赖外部资源的问题。

Zài quēfá míngquè yījù de qíngkuàng xià, wǒmen bìxū yīzhào xiāngguān guīdìng yīcì chǔlǐ zhèxiē yīlài wàibù zīyuán de wèntí.

In the absence of clear basis, we must handle these problems that depend on external resources in accordance with relevant regulations in order.