Meanings of 撐
By ear
Play it, then pick what 撐 means.
About 撐
Podcast: 撐
Podcast: 撐
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 撐
撑 (chēng) vs 支 (zhī) — use 撐 when emphasizing the act of propping or supporting something physically, while 支 is more about providing support or assistance in a broader sense.
Be cautious when using 撐 in different contexts; it can sound informal if used in formal writing. It's often paired with words like 'umbrella' (伞) to describe propping up an umbrella or similar items. Ensure correct tone usage, as a mispronunciation can lead to confusion with other similar-sounding words.
While 撐 is not specifically listed in the HSK levels, it connects well with vocabulary in HSK 3 and 4 that involves support and assistance. Learners should focus on recognizing its usage in both literal and metaphorical contexts, as well as its combinations with other words.
Learners often confuse 撐 with 支持 (zhīchí), leading to incorrect context usage. For example, saying '我支持这张桌子' (wǒ zhīchí zhè zhāng zhuōzi) instead of '我撐这张桌子' (wǒ chēng zhè zhāng zhuōzi) when referring to propping up a table.
Pronunciation of 撐
Drill the tone of 撐 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 撐 to You
Let me explain 撐 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 撐 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 撐?
Learning Lab
Knowing 撐 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Etymology of 撐
Phonosemantic compound. 扌 represents the meaning and 掌 represents the sound. Simplified form of 撐.
hand
Origin
撐 = 扌 + 牚. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 撐
Parts
Which of these is part of 撐?
How to say to support, to prop up, to brace; overflowing in Chinese
“to support, to prop up, to brace; overflowing” in Chinese is撐
The character 撐 (chēng) means to support or prop up something, often implying a physical action of holding something in place. It can also refer to a situation where something is overflowing or cannot be contained. Commonly used in contexts involving physical objects or abstract ideas that require support or reinforcement.
When to use 撐
Be cautious when using 撐 in different contexts; it can sound informal if used in formal writing. It's often paired with words like 'umbrella' (伞) to describe propping up an umbrella or similar items. Ensure correct tone usage, as a mispronunciation can lead to confusion with other similar-sounding words.
撐 or something close to it
撑 (chēng) vs 支 (zhī) — use 撐 when emphasizing the act of propping or supporting something physically, while 支 is more about providing support or assistance in a broader sense.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 撐 with 支持 (zhīchí), leading to incorrect context usage. For example, saying '我支持这张桌子' (wǒ zhīchí zhè zhāng zhuōzi) instead of '我撐这张桌子' (wǒ chēng zhè zhāng zhuōzi) when referring to propping up a table.
Write 撐
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 撐 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 撐?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Word Family of 撐
Characters with 撐
What does 撑 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 撐
撐 is used in both spoken and written Chinese, but may sound more informal in written contexts.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 撐?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.