保持 bǎochí to keep
to keep; to maintain; to hold; to preserve
How to remember 保持: 保 to protect + 持 maintain = to keep.
Characters
How it is used
- To keep/maintain a state - 保持安静 (bǎochí ānjìng) keep quiet; 保持联系 (bǎochí liánxì) stay in touch; 保持健康 (bǎochí jiànkāng) stay healthy.
- Takes a condition/relationship you sustain over time.
- Contrast 保存 (bǎocún, to store a physical thing) - 保持 keeps a state/status, not an object in storage.
Example sentences
- 保持安静 Bǎochí ānjìngKeep it quiet.
- 保持安静！ Bǎochí ānjìng!Keep quiet!
- 保持微笑。 Bǎochí wēixiào.Keep smiling.