撑 chēng to support
to support; to prop up; to brace
How to remember 撑: 扌 hand + 掌 in charge = to support. One hand on the sagging tent pole, the scout in charge shouts for sticks to support it before the rain.
Component breakdown
撑 = 扌 hand + 掌 in charge
- 扌 hand
- 掌 in charge
One hand on the sagging tent pole, the scout in charge shouts for sticks to support it before the rain.
How it is used
- To prop up/support or to hold out - 支撑 (zhīchēng) prop up/sustain, 撑伞 (chēng sǎn) hold up an umbrella, 撑船 (chēng chuán) pole a boat.
- 'To hold on/endure': 撑不住 (chēng bú zhù) can't hold out any longer, 撑下去 (chēng xiàqu) keep going.
- Also 'stuffed full': 吃撑了 (chī chēng le) ate too much. 撑腰 (chēngyāo) = to back someone up.