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支撑 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
支撑zhīchēngto prop upHSK 6, v, rank #7002, Hard
支撑zhīchēngto supportHSK 6, v, rank #7002, Hard
支撑zhīchēngstrutHSK 6, v, rank #7002, Hard
支撑zhīchēngbraceHSK 6, v, rank #7002, Hard
zhīchēng(zhi1cheng1) T1
  1. 1to prop up
  2. 2to support
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March 24, 2026
支撑(支撐)zhīchēng(zhi1cheng1)

支撑 (zhī chēng) means to prop up or support something physically or metaphorically. It is often used in contexts involving structural support, such as in construction, as well as in more abstract situations like emotional or financial support.

Frequency#7002DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese architecture, the concept of 支撑 is crucial, as traditional structures often rely on intricate wooden frameworks that need solid support to stand the test of time. This reflects a broader cultural value placed on stability and resilience.

Memory Tip

Imagine a sturdy '支' (branch) supporting a '撑' (tent). The branch holds the tent up, just like the word means to support or prop up. Visualizing this connection can reinforce both the meaning and pronunciation.

Meanings of 支撑

zhīchēng(zhi1cheng1)
1to prop up
2to support
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

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About 支撑

支撑Simplified
支撐Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#7002Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1

Podcast: 支撑

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Podcast: 支撑

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AI Study Notes for 支撑

Quick Contrast

支撑 (zhīchēng) vs 支持 (zhīchí) — use 支撑 for physical support and 支持 for abstract or emotional support.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a sturdy '支' (branch) supporting a '撑' (tent). The branch holds the tent up, just like the word means to support or prop up. Visualizing this connection can reinforce both the meaning and pronunciation.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 支撑 with similar verbs like 支持 (zhīchí), which means to support in a more general or abstract sense. 支撑 is often used in technical or physical contexts, while 支持 is more common in emotional or ideological discussions.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 支撑 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to construction and support, such as 支持 (support) and 维护 (maintain). Students should focus on using it in complex sentences to describe situations requiring support.

Cultural Note

In Chinese architecture, the concept of 支撑 is crucial, as traditional structures often rely on intricate wooden frameworks that need solid support to stand the test of time. This reflects a broader cultural value placed on stability and resilience.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 支撑 with 支持, using them interchangeably in contexts where physical support is specified. For example, saying '我需要支持这个桌子' (I need support for this table) should be '我需要支撑这个桌子'.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 支撑

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Component Characters

支zhīto support
HSK 54 strokes支
View full entry
撑chēngto support
HSK 615 strokes扌
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Write 支撑

支
撑

Practice writing 支撑 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 支撑

支撑 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 4

Complete the Sentence

军队声称叛军____不了多久了。

The army claims the rebels are on the ropes.

Example Sentences for 支撑 (10)

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1
军队声称叛军支撑不了多久了。

jūn duì shēng chēng pàn jūn zhī chēng bù le duō jiǔ le。

The army claims the rebels are on the ropes.
2
工厂里四处都立有铁柱支撑着房顶。

gōng chǎng lǐ sì chǔ dū lì yǒu tiě zhù zhī chēng zháo fáng dǐng。

Mills have iron pillars all over the place holding up the roof.
3
腿筋是位于大腿后侧起支撑作用的肌肉。

tuǐ jīn shì wèi yú dà tuǐ hòu cè qǐ zhī chēng zuò yòng de jī ròu。

Hamstrings are supporting muscles at the back of the thigh.
4
我们并无实际、客观、科学的证据支撑我们的信仰。

wǒ mén bìng wú shí jì、 、 kè、 guān 、 kē xué de zhèng jù zhī chēng wǒ mén de。

We have no real, objective, scientific evidence for our belief.
5
约翰死后,她在精神上依靠宗教信仰支撑住自己.

yuē hàn sǐ hòu, , tā zài jīng shén shàng yī kào zōng jiào xìn yǎng zhī chēng zhù zì.

Her religion was a crutch to her when John died.
6
她那支撑着身体的胳膊已经磨破,鲜血染污了她的衣服.

tā nà zhī chēng zháo shēn tǐ de gē bó yǐ jīng mó pò, , xiān xiě rǎn wū le tā de yī.

The elbow she leans on is rubbed raw and staining her suit with blood.
7
这座桥由石拱支撑.

zhè zuò qiáo yóu shí gǒng zhī chēng.

The bridge rests on stone arches.
8
而受逢低买盘支撑, 铂金价格也扩大涨幅.

ér shòu féng dī mǎi pán zhī chēng, , bó jīn jià gé yě kuò dà zhǎng.

The support bargain hunting, platinum prices rose to expand.
9
他竖了一根桩支撑新种的树.

tā shù le yī gēn zhuāng zhī chēng xīn zhǒng de shù.

He put up a stake to support the newly planted tree.
10
饰带, 肩带常饰有皮革, ''.'挎'. ''在胸前用以支撑剑或军号的带子.

shì dài, , jiān dài cháng shì yǒu pí,''.' gé'.'' , ''.' kuà '. '' zài xiōng qián yòng yǐ zhī chēng jiàn huò jūn hào.

A belt, usually of ornamented leather, worn across the chest to support a sword or bugle.

Cultural Notes for 支撑

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese architecture, the concept of 支撑 is crucial, as traditional structures often rely on intricate wooden frameworks that need solid support to stand the test of time. This reflects a broader cultural value placed on stability and resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions about 支撑

Synonyms include 支持 (zhīchí) for support, and 维持 (wéichí) for maintain.