凭 (píng) · based on, to rely on

Meanings

1 based on
2 to rely on
3 proof; evidence

Characters

凭

píng

to lean on; to rely on; proof

Examples

HSK 1

凭什么？

Píng shénme?

On what grounds? / Why should I?

HSK 4

凭你的能力，一定能成功。

Píng nǐ de nénglì, yídìng néng chénggōng.

With your ability, you'll definitely succeed.

HSK 7-9

凭票入场。

Píng piào rùchǎng.

Enter with a ticket (admission by ticket only).

Tips

usage

凭什么 is a very common retort meaning 'on what basis?' or 'why should I?' - often said with indignation.

grammar

凭 + noun/clause = 'based on / relying on.' Example: 凭经验 (based on experience), 凭感觉 (based on feeling).

Components

radical

几 jī

small table

Bottom small-table radical - the indexing component. Pictures a low stool used as something to lean against. Together with 任 above, the picture is a person leaning on a table - the literal source of "to lean on, rely on, take as evidence." Same radical anchors 凡, 凯.

phonetic

任 rèn

rely; appoint

Top 任 supplies the sound - rèn drifted to píng with major shift. 任 itself means "to rely on, entrust," carrying a strong semantic flavor that aligns with 凭 ("rely on, lean on"). Both phonetic and semantic - a doubly motivated component. Same image of a person bearing weight.