Definitions

chēng (verb) to prop up; to support
chēng (verb) to push or move with a pole
chēng (verb) to fill to bursting point

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound. Simplified form of .

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "撑" evolved from the traditional form "撐", a phono-semantic compound combining the hand radical "扌" with the phonetic component "掌", which itself implies the palm and its associated actions. Originally denoting the physical act of propping or holding up with the hand, its meaning gradually extended to encompass metaphorical supports, such as enduring strain or maintaining a precarious situation. This semantic broadening occurred while preserving the character's structural logic, with the hand radical consistently signaling manual involvement and the phonetic element offering a guide to pronunciation. In contemporary usage, "撑" continues to convey both literal support and abstract perseverance, reflecting its historical development from concrete action to wider application.

Example Sentences Hide

不住了。

Wǒ chēng bù zhù le.

I can't hold on anymore.

开了雨伞。

Tā chēng kāi le yǔsǎn.

He opened the umbrella.

她在门口伞。

Tā zài ménkǒu chēng sǎn.

She holds an umbrella at the door.

因为下雨,他起了伞。

Yīnwèi xiàyǔ, tā chēng qǐ le sǎn.

Because it's raining, he opened his umbrella.

他努力过困难时期。

Tā nǔlì chēng guò kùnnán shíqī.

He strives to endure through difficult times.

这根柱子支着屋顶。

Zhè gēn zhùzi zhīchēng zhe wūdǐng.

This pillar supports the roof.

虽然很累,但他还是到了终点。

Suīrán hěn lèi, dàn tā háishì chēng dào le zhōngdiǎn.

Although very tired, he still persevered to the finish line.

政府的政策起了经济的复苏。

Zhèngfǔ de zhèngcè chēng qǐ le jīngjì de fùsū.

The government's policies supported the economic recovery.