撑 (chēng) - to support & to prop up

撑Tone 1

chēng ｜ 15 strokes ｜ radical:

晨呈

撑 · chēng

to support;

to prop up;

to push or move with a pole;

to maintain;

to open (an umbrella);

to hold up;

to strain or overstretch.

to supportto prop upto push or move with a pole

Usage highlights

Support with a poleHold up an umbrellaMaintain with difficultyPole vaultOvereatProp up the roof

Synonyms

  • 支持— to support; to back
  • 支撑— to prop up; to sustain
  • 顶— to prop up; to withstand

Antonyms

  • 压— to press down; to suppress
  • 垮— to collapse; to break down

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He used a stick to support himself (撑着一根棍子).
  • She opened the umbrella (撑开雨伞).
  • The company is struggling to stay afloat (公司勉强支撑).
  • I'm so full I can't eat any more (我吃撑了).

Collocations

  • Support with a pole(撑杆)
  • Hold up an umbrella(撑伞)
  • Maintain with difficulty(支撑)
  • Pole vault(撑杆跳)
  • Overeat(吃撑)
  • Prop up the roof(撑起屋顶)

Idioms

  • To support a precarious situation(支撑局面)
  • To put on a bold front(硬撑门面)
  • To be full to bursting(撑肠拄腹)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character combines the hand radical (扌) with the component 掌 (palm), suggesting using the hand to support or push.
  • Used metaphorically for enduring hardship or maintaining a difficult situation.
  • In modern slang, 撑 can mean to support or root for someone, similar to 'cheer on'.

FAQ