撑

撐
chēng
#2,178 most
frequent character
prop, support, push with a pole
verb
noun

Character breakdown

Source: Make Me a Hanzi.

撑 chēng pairs 扌 hand with 掌 zhǎng, the palm, which also sounds like it. Hand and palm give original 'support, hold up'; later it grew to 'prop up' and 'push with a pole.'

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Example Sentences

我用一根木棍撑着这个帐篷。
wǒ yòng yīgēn mùgùn chēng zháo zhègè zhàngpéng 。
I use a wooden pole to support this tent.
请把这把椅子撑稳。
qǐng bǎ zhè bǎ yǐzǐ chēng wěn 。
Please brace this chair steady.
在剧烈风中，伞撑开了。
zài jùliè fēngzhōng ， sǎn chēng kāi le 。
In the strong wind, the umbrella unfurled.

Words with similar meanings

支撑zhīchēng
support
More commonly used in contexts of physical or metaphorical support.
撑起chēngqǐ
prop up
Focuses on the action of creating support rather than just the act of holding up.

Homophones

HSK 5
称chēng
to weigh, to state, to name, name

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