支撑

• Pinyin: zhī chēng
• Hanzi breakdown: 支 = 十 (ten) + 又 (hand), hand holding a branch; 撑 = 扌 (hand) + 掌 (palm)

Meaning

To support; to prop up; to sustain physically or figuratively.

Literally means to hold something up physically. Figuratively used for sustaining businesses, economies, or people through difficult times. Can describe both physical structures and abstract concepts like morale or finances.

Examples

1. 这根柱子支撑着整个建筑的重量。 This pillar supports the weight of the entire building.
2. 在最艰难的日子里，家人的鼓励支撑着他走了过来。 During the most difficult days, his family's encouragement sustained him through.
3. 出口贸易是支撑这个国家经济的重要支柱。 Export trade is an important pillar supporting this country's economy.

Usage Guide

Context: construction, business, emotional

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 是什么支撑你坚持下来的？(What sustained you to keep going?)
• 我们需要更多资金来支撑运营。(We need more funding to sustain operations.)

Don't Say

• 我支撑了一个苹果。(Incorrect — use 撑 or 托 for holding objects; 支撑 is for structural support)

Origin & History

Compound of 支 (branch, support) and 撑 (prop up, support). Together they emphasize the act of holding something up.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal