拄

• Pinyin: zhǔ
• Hanzi breakdown: 拄 = 扌 (hand) + 主 (phonetic, support)

Meaning

To lean on; to support oneself with. To use a stick, cane, or similar object for support while standing or walking.

Specifically describes the action of using a cane, staff, or walking stick for physical support. Often associated with elderly people, injured individuals, or hiking. Implies pressing down on something for stability.

Examples

1. 老人拄着拐杖慢慢走着。 The elderly man walked slowly with a cane.
2. 他受伤后不得不拄着双拐行走。 After he was injured, he had to walk with crutches.
3. 登山者拄着登山杖攀登山峰。 The climbers used trekking poles to climb the peak.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, medical, descriptive

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 奶奶拄着她的花梨木拐杖出门散步。(Grandma went out for a walk leaning on her rosewood cane.)
• 伤员拄着拐艰难地站了起来。(The wounded soldier struggled to stand up with a crutch.)

Don't Say

• 拄着墙 — use 扶着 for leaning against walls or flat surfaces

Origin & History

Pictophonetic: 扌 (hand) + 主 (phonetic, also suggests support)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal