Definition
撑住 is a resultative verb (r.v.) combining 撑 (to prop, push) with 住 (to hold, stay). It means to physically brace or support something so it doesn't fall, or figuratively to hold out, endure, or sustain something through difficulty — like a person holding out under pressure or a business staying afloat. The resultative structure means it already implies a successful outcome (the thing is being held), so it's different from the simpler 撑 which can just mean 'to push'.
r.v.
to braceto prop up (physically)to hold outto sustainto endure (figuratively)
Examples
- 撑住。Tā yòng yì gēn mùgùn chēng zhù le kuài yào dǎo de qiáng.He propped up the wall that was about to fall with a wooden pole.
- ，撑住。Gōngsī zuìjìn hěn kùnnan, dàn tā hái zài pīnmìng chēng zhù.The company is struggling recently, but he's still desperately trying to hold out.
- 撑住，。Nǐ yào chēng zhù, bù néng qīngyì fàngqì.You have to hold on; you can't give up easily.
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