verb HSK 5
to seek refuge with · to rely on for protection · to go to someone for shelter
Meaning
投靠 means to go to someone (often a relative or powerful person) seeking protection, shelter, or support, especially when one has nowhere else to turn. It implies dependence and often occurs in difficult circumstances where the person has lost their means of livelihood or safety.
Usage
This word carries a somewhat formal or literary tone and is commonly used when describing historical situations, refugees, or people joining powerful groups for protection. It often appears in contexts of war, poverty, or political turmoil. The phrase 投靠某人 (to seek refuge with someone) is the most common pattern.
Examples
- 01战争爆发后，很多难民投靠在国外的亲戚。, .After the war broke out, many refugees sought shelter with their relatives abroad.
- 02他失业后无处投靠，只好回到农村老家。, .After losing his job and having nowhere to turn, he had no choice but to return to his rural hometown.
Characters
Common collocations
- 投靠亲戚to seek refuge with relatives
- 投靠权贵to seek the protection of the powerful
- 无处投靠to have nowhere to turn for help
Antonyms
Origin
The combination literally means 'to throw oneself to lean on' someone, vividly capturing the image of seeking support and protection from another.