傍 (bàng) - To lean against & to be near

傍Tone 4

bàng ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

傲不

傍 · bàng

To lean against;

to be near;

to approach;

to depend on;

to rely on;

to imitate.

To lean againstto be nearto approach

Usage highlights

Lean against the mountainApproach eveningRely on powerImitate antiquityNear the waterDepend on others

Synonyms

  • 靠— to lean on; to rely on
  • 依— to depend on; to comply with
  • 近— near; close to

Antonyms

  • 离— to leave; to separate from
  • 独— alone; independent

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The house leans against the mountain (房子傍山).
  • He approached evening to return home (他傍黑才回家).
  • She relies on her family for support (她傍着家人生活).
  • This style imitates ancient methods (这种风格傍古法).

Collocations

  • Lean against the mountain(傍山)
  • Approach evening(傍黑)
  • Rely on power(傍权)
  • Imitate antiquity(傍古)
  • Near the water(傍水)
  • Depend on others(傍人)

Idioms

  • Rely on power and bully others(傍势欺人)
  • Lean on mountains and face waters(依山傍水)
  • Imitate the ancients without innovation(傍古无新)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character embodies concepts of proximity, dependence, and imitation in Chinese culture.
  • In traditional Chinese geomancy (风水), '依山傍水' (leaning on mountains and facing water) is considered an ideal location for dwellings.
  • The character can carry negative connotations when referring to excessive dependence on others, particularly those in power.

FAQ