支

zhī

十 + 又

HSK 2.0Level 5

HSK 3.0Level 5

Definitions

zhī (verb) to support; to sustain

zhī (noun) branch; division

zhī (verb) to draw; withdraw money; to pay

zhī (particle) classifier for sticks, pens

Etymology

Pictograph of a hand (又) lifting a piece of bamboo (个).

About

支 originated as a pictograph of a hand (又) lifting a piece of bamboo (个), visually conveying the act of propping something up or providing physical support. From this core idea, the meaning broadened to include paying out money, sustaining an operation, and offering assistance. The character also functions as a measure word for long, slender objects and refers to a branch, offshoot, or subdivision, such as a river tributary or a lineage branch.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Seal etymology image

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Seal etymology image

Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我支持你的决定。

Wǒ zhīchí nǐ de juédìng.

I support your decision.

我用手机支付。

Wǒ yòng shǒujī zhīfù.

I pay with my phone.

杠杆需要支点。

Gànggǎn xūyào zhīdiǎn.

A lever needs a fulcrum.

相机放在支架上。

Xiàngjī fàng zài zhījià shàng.

The camera is placed on the支架.

这条河有很多支流。

Zhè tiáo hé yǒu hěn duō zhīliú.

This river has many tributaries.

这条支线通往小镇。

Zhè tiáo zhīxiàn tōng wǎng xiǎo zhèn.

This branch line leads to the small town.

他不受别人支配。

Tā bù shòu biérén zhīpèi.

He is not dominated by others.

他支吾着说不出话。

Tā zhīwú zhe shuō bù chū huà.

He stammered and couldn't speak.

Related Characters

Composed characters:

Component: 十

Component: 又

Example Words