Definition
撑 (chēng) means 'to support, prop up, or open' — it's a versatile verb for physically holding something up or spreading it open (e.g., an umbrella). Compared to 支撑 (zhī chēng), which emphasizes bearing weight or sustaining something figuratively, 撑 is more about propping or stretching. It also has the distinct sense of being stuffed to the point of bursting (e.g., after eating too much).
verb
to supportprop upor open (an umbrella, etc.)to push or move with a pole (a boat)to fill to the point of bursting (especially from eating)
Easily confused
- 成chéngsound-alike(classifier) tenth, ten percent (used after a number 1–9)
- 城chéngsound-alikecity; town
- 称chēngsound-aliketo weigh (on a scale)
- 称chēngsound-aliketo weigh
- 乘chéngsound-aliketo ride (a vehicle), to mount
- 乘chéngsound-aliketo ride; to travel by; to take (a vehicle)
- 呈chéngsound-aliketo submit (to a superior); to formally present
- 盛chéngsound-aliketo ladle, to fill (a bowl/plate) with food or liquid
- 秤chèngsound-alikesteelyard; Chinese scale (a balance with a beam and sliding weight)
Examples
- ，。Tā yòng shǒu chēng zhù zhuōzi, mànmàn zhàn le qǐlai.He supported himself on the table with his hands and slowly stood up.
- 撑。Tā chēng chuán guò hé.He poled the boat across the river.
- ，撑。Tā chī le sān wǎn fàn, yǐjīng chēng de bùxíng le.He ate three bowls of rice and is already too full.
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