依 (yī) — Lean / Rely
Single-character Chinese tattoo · verified meaning · leaning close
Browse all 依 glyphs ↗Meaning & Nuance
依 (yī) means to lean on, rely upon, or depend — the comfort of something (or someone) solid at your side. It suggests trust and closeness rather than weakness. It differs from 靠 (kào, to lean or rely) in being softer and more intimate, often used in a poetic register.
Pronunciation & Form
Pinyin: yī — a first tone (high, level) syllable, even and smooth, held without rising or falling.
Common Words & Phrases
Why Get 依 as a Tattoo
依 is a tattoo of trust — leaning on someone or something without shame. It reads as 'lean / rely' and feels tender next to 偎 or a partner's name. People choose 依 to honor a person who holds them up, or a quiet faith they lean on through hard times.
Tattoo Style & Placement
Soft fine-line, script, or minimalist styles suit it. Placements: inner wrist, forearm, collarbone, or behind the ear. A small 依 reads as a gentle, personal mark.
Authenticity & Cultural Note
Always confirm the character with a native speaker or linguist before inking. 依 sounds identical to 衣 (yī, clothes) and is easily swapped by machine translation; a native-verified 依 reads unambiguously as 'lean / rely.' handmade.ink meanings are checked by native Chinese linguists so your ink says exactly what you intend.
Frequently Asked Questions
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