维持 wéichí to keep
to keep; to maintain; to preserve
How to remember 维持: 维 to preserve + 持 maintain = to keep.
Characters
How it is used
- To maintain / keep (a state) going - 维持秩序 (wéichí zhìxù) keep order; 维持生活 make ends meet.
- About sustaining an existing state or level, not improving it. Contrast 保持 (bǎochí, to keep/preserve, often a good quality): 维持 often implies barely sustaining (维持现状 maintain the status quo).
Example sentences
- 你在东京如何维持生计？ Nǐ zài dōngjīng rúhé wéichí shēngjì?How did you make a living in Tokyo?