Definitions
(verb)
to depend on; to rely on
(verb)
to renege; to default on debts
(verb)
to blame; to put blame on
(adjective)
bad; rascally
About
The character 赖, traditionally written as 賴, structurally combines the component 貝 representing value or currency and 剌 indicating conflict or cutting, an etymology that suggests a connection to dependence or contention over resources. Its original meaning was to rely on or depend upon, which later expanded to include senses such as to blame, to deny, or to renege, exemplified in terms like 耍赖 meaning to act shamelessly. The simplified form 赖 modifies the traditional structure by substituting 貝 with the component 负, a conventional simplification for characters involving wealth. This character's semantic development shows a shift from neutral reliance to frequently negative applications, though it occasionally conveys sufficiency as in the expression 赖好.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
孩子依赖父母。
不要耍赖皮。
他真是个无赖。
你别想赖账。
好赖都得接受。
你不能诬赖别人。
依赖电子产品不好。
他耍赖不承认比赛结果。