Preposition 凭 — By Means Of
介词：凭
Use 凭 to express doing something based on a certain basis, credential, or ability
Place 凭 before the basis, credential, or quality that enables or justifies an action. The noun after 凭 can be a concrete item (a ticket, a certificate) or an abstract quality (experience, ability, effort).
凭 can also appear in the pattern 凭什么 (on what basis? / why should...?), which expresses indignation or challenge. This rhetorical usage is very common in spoken Chinese.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Preposition 凭 — By Means Of (介词：凭)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 介词：凭 pattern
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Understanding 介词：凭
The preposition 凭 (píng) means "by means of" or "on the basis of." It introduces the thing — whether a skill, credential, experience, or physical item — that makes an action possible or justified. When you say 凭他的水平，通过考试没问题, you are saying that based on his level of ability, passing the exam is no problem. 凭 can work with concrete nouns like 凭票入场 (enter with a ticket) or abstract ones like 凭经验 (based on experience). One of its most powerful uses is the rhetorical question 凭什么, which challenges the fairness or basis of a situation — "On what grounds?" or "Why should that be so?" This word adds a layer of reasoning and justification to your speech. It tells the listener not just what happened, but on what basis it happened.
Key Points
- 凭 (píng) = "by means of / based on / relying on."
- 凭 + concrete noun: 凭票 (with a ticket), 凭证件 (with ID documents).
- 凭 + abstract noun: 凭经验 (based on experience), 凭能力 (based on ability).
- 凭什么 = "on what basis?" — expresses challenge or indignation.
- 凭 is more formal than 靠 (rely on) and emphasizes the justifying basis rather than general dependence.
- 凭……就…… means "just based on… one can already…": 凭这一点就够了 (This alone is enough).
In Chinese society, the concept of 凭本事吃饭 (making a living based on one's real ability) is deeply respected. It reflects the value placed on meritocracy and genuine skill. The expression 凭什么 is frequently heard in arguments and debates — it demands that the other party justify their position or decision.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
凭他的水平，通过这次考试没有问题。
Given his level, passing this exam is no problem.
凭经验进行判断往往是不准确的。
Making judgments based on experience alone is often inaccurate.
请凭票入场。
Please enter with your ticket.
Common sign at events and venues
你凭什么这样说我？
On what basis do you talk about me like that?
Rhetorical challenge
她凭自己的努力考上了大学。
She got into university through her own efforts.
不能凭感觉做决定。
You can't make decisions based on feelings alone.
凭他一个人的力量是完成不了的。
It cannot be completed by his strength alone.
Common Mistakes
凭 is a preposition and does not take the aspect marker 了. It does not conjugate like a verb.
The 凭 clause acts as a conditional premise. It is typically followed by a comma and then the conclusion, without adding 可以 redundantly.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Think of 凭 as "armed with" — what credential or quality are you armed with when doing something?
When you see 凭什么 in conversation, it is always a challenge — the speaker is demanding justification.
凭 + concrete noun (ticket, ID) is common in formal signs and rules. Look for it at airports, hotels, and event venues.
Practice by explaining achievements: 他凭努力成功了, 她凭天赋考上了名校.
Homework
Write four sentences using 凭 + an abstract quality (effort, experience, intelligence, talent) and two sentences using 凭 + a concrete item (ticket, ID, certificate). Then write two sentences using 凭什么 to challenge something you find unfair.