凭借
píng jiè · HSK 7
to rely on
🩼 凭 lean-on + 借 borrow = rely on, lean on what you borrow
凭借 pairs 凭 (to lean on, rely on) with 借 (to borrow), so it means to rely on or by means of something. Think of it as leaning on a borrowed support to get something done — thanks to that means.
凭 — 任 (rèn) phonetic + 几 (jī) table/bench
Originally written 凴 with 任 as phonetic over 几 (a low table or armrest), depicting leaning on something for support. The modern form 凭 simplifies the top to 任. Core meanings extended from 'to lean on' to 'rely on,' 'based on,' and 'evidence/proof.'
借 — person radical 亻 + 昔 (formerly)
借 combines the person radical 亻 with 昔, which provides the sound and originally meant 'former times.' The character depicts a person engaging in an act tied to time — borrowing or lending something with the expectation of return. Today it means 'to borrow' or 'to lend.'