Meaning and Usage
The word 伸张 (shēnzhāng) primarily means to expand, extend, or uphold something abstract such as rights, justice, influence, or culture. It is often used in formal or written contexts, especially when discussing legal, social, or cultural matters.
Common Contexts
- Legal and social justice: 伸张正义 (uphold justice) is a frequent collocation, emphasizing the enforcement or realization of fairness.
- Rights and influence: It can describe the act of expanding one's rights or influence, such as in political or organizational settings.
- Cultural promotion: Used to talk about promoting or extending cultural identity or values.
Collocations and Patterns
- 伸张正义: to uphold justice, often in legal or moral contexts.
- 伸张权利: to expand or assert rights.
- 伸张影响力: to increase influence.
Nuances
Using 伸张 implies an active effort to broaden or strengthen something that is often intangible and important for social or personal standing. It is more formal than simply saying 扩大 (expand) and carries a sense of legitimacy or righteousness.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse 伸张 with 伸展, which focuses more on physical stretching or extending. 伸张 is abstract and often relates to rights, justice, or influence rather than physical objects.