Definition
支 (zhī) is a versatile verb meaning 'to prop up' (physically), 'to pay', or 'to set up' (e.g., a tent). For 'pay', it's more formal and often used in written contexts than 付 (fù), which is the everyday word for handing over money. For 'support', 支 is broader than 撑 (chēng 'to prop open, stretch') and less physical than 支撑 (zhīchēng 'to bear weight').
verb
to prop upto supportto payto disburseto raiseto set up
Easily confused
- 反fǎnlook-alike(adjective / adverb) opposite; contrary; in reverse
- 只zhǐsound-alike(classifier) used for one of a pair of animals, objects, or body parts; also for boats, certain containers
- 双shuānglook-alike(classifier) pair (for things that come in twos: shoes, socks, hands, etc.)
- 只zhǐsound-alikeonly, just, merely
- 之zhīsound-alike(literary, possessive particle) equivalent to 的
- 之zhīsound-alike(literary pronoun) him, her, it (used as object)
- 指zhǐsound-aliketo point at, to indicate, to show
- 直zhísound-alike(adjective) straight; frank; fair
- 至zhìsound-alike(verb, literary) to arrive
- 值zhísound-alike(verb) to be worth
Examples
- 支。Tā yòng yī gēn mùgùn zhī zhù kuài yào dǎo de qiáng.He used a wooden stick to prop up the wall that was about to fall.
- 。Gōngsī měi yuè zhī fù yuángōng gōngzī.The company pays employee salaries every month.
- 支。Tāmen zài hé biān zhī qǐ le zhàngpeng.They pitched a tent by the river.
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