make a living; earn one's livelihood
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesverb
to make a living; to earn one's livelihood (by a certain means)
Typically used in the structure '以...为生' or '[activity] + 为生'. Indicates the primary means by which someone earns their living.
Tā他
kào靠
bǔ捕
yú鱼
wéi为
shēng生
。
He makes his living by fishing.
Zhè这
duì对
lǎo老
fū夫
qī妻
yǐ以
mài卖
cài菜
wéi为
shēng生
。
This elderly couple earns their livelihood selling vegetables.
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Zài在
zhè这
gè个
xiǎo小
dǎo岛
shàng上
，
jū居
mín民
dà大
duō多
yǐ以
lǚ旅
yóu游
yè业
wéi为
shēng生
。
On this small island, most residents make their living from the tourism industry.