Usage and Meaning
The verb 撑 (chēng) primarily means "to support" or "to prop up." It is often used when something physically holds or braces another object to prevent it from falling or collapsing. For example, a pillar撑s a roof, or a person撑s themselves against a wall.
Common Contexts
撑 is frequently used with objects like umbrellas (撑伞), walls (撑墙), or pillars (撑柱子). It can describe both literal physical support and metaphorical endurance, such as撑着疲惫的身体 (supporting a tired body) to indicate persisting despite fatigue.
Collocations and Patterns
- 撑伞: to hold or open an umbrella, emphasizing the action of supporting the umbrella against rain or sun.
- 撑着 + body part: often used to describe using a body part to support oneself physically.
- 撑着 + object: to prop or brace an object to keep it stable.
Nuances
When used with people, 撑 often implies effort or strain in maintaining support, either physically or metaphorically. It is more concrete than similar verbs like 支持, which can be more abstract or ideological. 撑 is also common in spoken and written Chinese at an advanced level (HSK 6), especially in descriptive or narrative contexts.
Common Confusion
Don't confuse 撑 with 支持 (zhīchí), which means "to support" in a more abstract or emotional sense. 撑 is more about physical or tangible support.