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March 24, 2026
尌shù(shu4)
The character 尌 (shù) means to prop up or to support something in an upright position. It is often used in contexts where an object is being stabilized or held up, such as propping up a tent or standing a piece of furniture. The nuance implies a temporary or supportive action rather than a permanent fixture.
Strokes12Radical寸Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese architecture, the concept of propping up structures is crucial, especially in the construction of pagodas and temples, where support beams are essential for stability. This character reflects the importance of support in both physical and social contexts in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a sturdy SHU (shoe) propping up a wobbly table leg, keeping it from tipping over. The character 尌 looks like a person (亻) standing next to a support (土), symbolizing the action of propping something up.
Meanings of 尌
shù(shu4)
1to prop up; to stand something up
2standing up
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 尌
尌Simplified
12Strokes
寸Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 尌
Podcast: 尌
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AI Study Notes for 尌
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a sturdy SHU (shoe) propping up a wobbly table leg, keeping it from tipping over. The character 尌 looks like a person (亻) standing next to a support (土), symbolizing the action of propping something up.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 尌 with similar characters that imply permanence rather than temporary support. This character is typically used in informal contexts and can be combined with other verbs for more specific meanings, such as 'to prop up a situation' or 'to stand someone up'.
HSK Study Tips
Although 尌 is not included in the HSK levels, it connects with HSK vocabulary related to actions and support, such as 站 (zhàn, to stand) and 支持 (zhīchí, to support). Focus on understanding the context in which you would use this verb to describe physical support.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese architecture, the concept of propping up structures is crucial, especially in the construction of pagodas and temples, where support beams are essential for stability. This character reflects the importance of support in both physical and social contexts in Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse 尌 with 立 (lì), which means to stand or establish something permanently. For example, saying '我立这个桌子' instead of '我尌这个桌子' would be incorrect when referring to propping it up temporarily.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 尌
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Cultural Notes for 尌
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese architecture, the concept of propping up structures is crucial, especially in the construction of pagodas and temples, where support beams are essential for stability. This character reflects the importance of support in both physical and social contexts in Chinese culture.
Word Family of 尌
Words Containing This Character1
尌shùstanding up
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 尌 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 尌
While 尌 (shù) emphasizes the action of propping something up temporarily, 站 (zhàn) simply means to stand. 尌 implies support, while 站 can refer to a more permanent standing position.
Yes, you can use 尌 metaphorically to describe supporting friends in difficult times, but ensure that the context makes it clear that it's about providing temporary assistance.
