Definition
支撑 (zhī chēng) means 'to support' both physically (bearing weight) and figuratively (sustaining a family, organization, or spirits). It is broader than 撑 (chēng), which focuses on propping open or filling to bursting, and more general than 支架 (zhī jià), which is a physical frame or stent. 承载 (chéng zài) emphasizes bearing a load or responsibility, while 支撑 can also imply maintaining something over time.
verb
to support (physically, by bearing weight)to sustainto maintain (figuratively, e.g., a family, an organization, one's spirits)
Easily confused
- 职称zhí chēngsound-alikeprofessional title (in a formal ranking system, e.g., professor, senior engineer)
Examples
- 支撑。Sì gēn zhùzi zhī chēng zhe zhè zuò gǔlǎo de jiànzhù.Four pillars support this ancient building.
- 支撑。Zhěng gè jiātíng quán kào tā yí ge rén zhī chēng.The entire family depends entirely on him for support.
- ，支撑。Zài kùnnán shíqī, jiārén de gǔlì zhī chēng zhe tā zǒu xiàqù.During hard times, her family's encouragement sustained her to keep going.
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