挺起 (tǐng qǐ) — to raise up (one's head, chest, etc.); to leap… | TongTong Chinese Dictionary

Definition

A separable verb (离合词) meaning to raise or straighten part of the body — chest, back, waist — often with a sense of resolve. Insert other elements between 挺 and 起, as in 挺直胸膛.

verb

to raise up (one's head, chest, etc.)to leap up (to one's feet)

Examples

挺起，。
Tā tǐng qǐ le xiōng táng, xiǎn de hěn zì xìn.
He raised his chest, looking very confident.
，挺起。
Tā tīng dào hǎo xiāo xi, lì kè tǐng qǐ le shēn zi.
He heard the good news and immediately straightened up.
挺起，。
Wǒ men yào tǐng qǐ yāo gǎn, yǒng gǎn miàn duì kùn nan.
We must stand up straight and bravely face difficulties.

Origin

Compound word

构词法gòucífǎ

补充bǔchōngVerb + complement

An action followed by its result or direction.

挺tǐngthrust out/straighten

起qǐrise upward

挺 means to thrust out or straighten; 起 indicates an upward or rising direction, giving 'raise up' or 'leap up'.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú

手手shǒuhand

Sound part声符shēngfú

廷

廷tíng挺tǐng

Same sound today

挺 combines 手, a hand, with 廷, which gives its sound.

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

走巳起

Meaning part形符xíngfú

Sound part声符shēngfú

巳

巳sì起qǐ

Close in sound todayThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

起 is made from 走 and 巳: 走 is the part connected with walking or running, and 巳 gives the sound.

Appears in

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