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March 24, 2026
撑(撐)chēng(cheng1)
The character 撑 (chēng) primarily means to support or prop up something. It is often used in contexts where one is using a physical object to provide stability or maintain a position, such as propping up a tent or supporting a structure. Additionally, it can imply overflowing or being filled to capacity, indicating a sense of abundance or extreme fullness.
Strokes15Radical扌Frequency#2552DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of supporting or propping up can extend metaphorically to family and community structures, reflecting the importance of mutual support in societal relationships. For example, the phrase '撑起家' (chēng qǐ jiā) implies supporting the family unit.
Memory Tip
Imagine a large umbrella (like 撑) being held up by a person. The character has a radical for 'hand' (扌), suggesting action, while the rest of the character represents the idea of 'supporting' something heavy above. Picture yourself pushing up the umbrella to keep it from collapsing under the rain!
Meanings of 撑
chēng(cheng1)
1to support
2to prop up
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 撑
撑Simplified
撐Traditional
15Strokes
扌Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#2552Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6IntermediateTOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 撑
Podcast: 撑
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AI Study Notes for 撑
Quick Contrast
撑 (chēng) vs 支 (zhī) — use 撑 when emphasizing supporting or propping up, while 支 is more about providing support or assistance in a broader sense.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 撑 with 支 (zhī), which also means 'to support' but in a more abstract or financial context. 撑 is more physical and tangible. It’s typically used in informal settings, but can also appear in literary contexts. Be careful with the fourth tone; it's crucial for correct pronunciation.
HSK Study Tips
While 撑 is not currently an HSK level word, it connects to HSK 3 vocabulary related to support and stability, such as 支持 (zhīchí, to support). Students should focus on the different contexts in which 撑 can be used, especially in describing physical actions and states.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 撑 incorrectly in contexts that require 支持. For example, saying '我支撑这块木头' (wǒ zhīchēng zhè kuài mù tóu) instead of '我撑这块木头' (wǒ chēng zhè kuài mù tóu) when referring to physically propping up wood.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 撑
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Phonosemantic compound. 扌 represents the meaning and 掌 represents the sound. Simplified form of 撐.
1The meaning half扌 carries the sense.
2The sound half掌 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawayhand
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 撑? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 撑?
Decomposition of 撑
IDS Structure⿰扌掌
撑Full Character
=
扌shou3
left
掌zhang3
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 撑?
How to say to support in Chinese
“to support” in Chinese is撑chēng
The character 撑 (chēng) primarily means to support or prop up something. It is often used in contexts where one is using a physical object to provide stability or maintain a position, such as propping up a tent or supporting a structure. Additionally, it can imply overflowing or being filled to capacity, indicating a sense of abundance or extreme fullness.
When to use 撑
Common mistakes include confusing 撑 with 支 (zhī), which also means 'to support' but in a more abstract or financial context. 撑 is more physical and tangible. It’s typically used in informal settings, but can also appear in literary contexts. Be careful with the fourth tone; it's crucial for correct pronunciation.
撑 or something close to it
撑 (chēng) vs 支 (zhī) — use 撑 when emphasizing supporting or propping up, while 支 is more about providing support or assistance in a broader sense.
What learners get wrong
Learners often use 撑 incorrectly in contexts that require 支持. For example, saying '我支撑这块木头' (wǒ zhīchēng zhè kuài mù tóu) instead of '我撑这块木头' (wǒ chēng zhè kuài mù tóu) when referring to physically propping up wood.
Write 撑
撑
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Grammar Patterns of 撑
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 10 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.
