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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing making a living by with 为生 (wéishēng)

    Manner & Method

    Structure

    靠 + Noun/Verb + 为生

    Explanation

    The verb phrase 为生 (wéishēng) means "to make a living by" or "to survive on." It appears at the end of a clause, following the means of livelihood. It is often paired with 靠 (to rely on) to form the pattern 靠…为生.

    Examples

    • 他靠捕鱼为生，每天天不亮就出海。

      Tā kào bǔ yú wéi shēng, měi tiān tiān bú liàng jiù chū hǎi.

      He makes a living by fishing and goes out to sea before dawn every day.

    • 在那个小村子里，很多人以种地为生。

      Zài nàge xiǎo cūnzi lǐ, hěn duō rén yǐ zhòng dì wéi shēng.

      In that small village, many people make a living by farming.

    • 她靠教钢琴为生，日子过得还不错。

      Tā kào jiāo gāngqín wéi shēng, rìzi guò de hái búcuò.

      She makes a living by teaching piano, and life is pretty good.

    Expressing making a living by with 为生 (wéishēng) | Chinese Grammar