支

zhī
HSK 5
#437 most
frequent character
to support, to sustain, to erect
verb
noun
Measure Word

Character breakdown

Source: Make Me a Hanzi.

支 shows a hand 又 pulling at a piece of bamboo 十, so it first meant pulling a bamboo branch off. 十 shí supplies the sound, though only the rhyme matches. From 'branch' the word widened to limbs, and then to holding something up.

Drawn as: hand grasping bamboo

支 as a component in other characters

meaning2 characters
歧肢
sound14 characters
技枝翅歧肢妓吱伎岐庋芰豉忮跂
picture1 character
鼓

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Example Sentences

他用手支撑着桌子。
tāyòng shǒu zhīchēngzháo zhuōzǐ 。
He supports the table with his hand.
这支笔很好用。
zhè zhī bǐ hěnhǎo yòng 。
This pen is very easy to use.
我有一支新的画笔。
wǒyǒu yīzhī xīnde huà bǐ 。
I have a new paintbrush.

Words with similar meanings

支撑zhīchēng
to support
More commonly used for physical support or to prop something up.
支持zhīchí
to support
Used in a broader context, including emotional or financial support.

Words Starting With 支

支持zhī chí
to be in favor of; to support; to back; support; backing; to stand by
支票zhī piào
check (bank); cheque
支出zhī chū
to spend; to pay out; expense
支援zhī yuán
to provide assistance; to support; to back
支撑zhī chēng
to prop up; to support; strut; brace

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