Keywords: zhichi, 支持, support in Chinese, how to say support in Chinese, endorse in Chinese, back up in Chinese, Chinese verb for support, technical support in Chinese, emotional support, Chinese culture
Summary: Learn how to use “支持 (zhīchí),” one of the most essential and versatile words in Mandarin Chinese. This page provides a deep dive into its meaning, from emotional and financial backing to technical support. Discover its cultural significance, see practical example sentences, and understand the key differences between 支持 (zhīchí) and 帮助 (bāngzhù) to avoid common mistakes. Whether you want to support a friend, endorse a plan, or understand business-speak, this guide to 支持 (zhīchí) is for you.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): zhīchí
Part of Speech: Verb, Noun
HSK Level: HSK 4
Concise Definition: To support, back, or endorse someone or something; support (as a noun).
In a Nutshell: 支持 (zhīchí) is the fundamental concept of “support.” It's a strong, positive word that implies propping something up, whether it's a person's decision, a political cause, a favorite team, or even a piece of software. It conveys a sense of foundation, backing, and approval.
Character Breakdown
支 (zhī): This character originally depicted a hand holding a branch. It means “to prop up,” “to support,” or “a branch.” Think of it as a structural support or a pillar holding something up.
持 (chí): This character shows a hand (手) next to a temple (寺), which phonetically hints at the sound. It means “to hold,” “to grasp,” or “to maintain.” Think of actively holding onto something to keep it steady.
When combined, 支持 (zhīchí) literally means “to prop up and hold.” This powerful image captures the essence of the word: providing a firm and stable foundation for someone or something.
Cultural Context and Significance
In Chinese culture, which often emphasizes collectivism and interpersonal relationships (关系 guānxi), 支持 (zhīchí) is more than just a simple action—it's a statement of allegiance and a crucial part of maintaining social harmony. Offering support to a family member, a friend, or a colleague is often seen as a fundamental duty that strengthens the bond between people.
Compared to the Western concept of “support,” which can sometimes be temporary or transactional, offering 支持 in a Chinese context can imply a deeper, long-term commitment. For example, parents' 支持 for their child's education is an all-encompassing social and financial expectation. In a business context, getting a key leader's 支持 for a project is often more critical than just getting formal approval, as it signals that they will use their influence and resources to ensure its success. This act of support creates a social obligation (人情 rénqíng) that may be reciprocated in the future.
Practical Usage in Modern China
支持 is an incredibly common and versatile word used across all registers, from casual conversation to formal business and political discourse.
Emotional & Moral Support: This is the most common usage. You use it to tell friends and family you have their back.
e.g., “No matter what you decide, I will support you.”
Endorsement (Social & Political): Used when expressing approval for a candidate, a policy, a team, or an idea.
e.g., “Which team do you support in the World Cup?”
Financial & Material Support: Can refer to financial backing, from parents supporting their children to companies receiving government subsidies.
e.g., “His family has always supported him financially.”
Technical & Logistical Support: This is the “support” in “technical support” or “customer support.”
e.g., “This app supports both iOS and Android.” The term 技术支持 (jìshù zhīchí) means “tech support.”
As a Noun: 支持 can also be a noun meaning “support” or “backing.”
e.g., “Thank you for your support.” (谢谢你的支持。)
Example Sentences
Example 1:
谢谢你一直以来的支持。
Pinyin: Xièxie nǐ yīzhí yǐlái de zhīchí.
English: Thank you for your continuous support.
Analysis: This is a very common and polite phrase used in business, with friends, or by public figures. Here, 支持 is used as a noun.
English: The majority of the public supports this new policy.
Analysis: This demonstrates the use of 支持 in a formal, political context to mean “endorse” or “be in favor of.”
Example 5:
这个软件支持多种语言。
Pinyin: Zhège ruǎnjiàn zhīchí duōzhǒng yǔyán.
English: This software supports multiple languages.
Analysis: This is the standard way to talk about technical compatibility or features, a very common usage in the tech world.
Example 6:
我不太支持他的看法。
Pinyin: Wǒ bù tài zhīchí tā de kànfǎ.
English: I don't really support his point of view.
Analysis: Shows how to negate 支持 to express disagreement or lack of endorsement for an idea. The use of 不太 (bù tài - not really) softens the disagreement.
Example 7:
父母在经济上支持他上大学。
Pinyin: Fùmǔ zài jīngjì shàng zhīchí tā shàng dàxué.
English: His parents financially support him to go to college.
Analysis: The phrase 在经济上 (zài jīngjì shàng) specifies that the support is “financial.” This is a common pattern.
English: If not for the support of the fans, this singer would not be so successful.
Analysis: This uses 支持 as a noun to describe the backing from a fan base, a very common concept in entertainment and media.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
支持 (zhīchí) vs. 帮助 (bāngzhù) / 帮忙 (bāngmáng): This is the most common point of confusion for learners.
支持 (zhīchí) implies broader, more foundational support. It's about backing an idea, a person, or a cause. It's often about approval and principle.
帮助 (bāngzhù) / 帮忙 (bāngmáng) means “to help” with a specific, concrete action or task. You help someone carry their bags; you don't “support” them to carry bags.
Incorrect Usage Example:
`你能支持我搬这个箱子吗？ (Nǐ néng zhīchí wǒ bān zhège xiāngzi ma?)` - This sounds very strange, as if you're asking for their moral endorsement to move a box.
Correct Usage Example:
`你能帮忙我搬这个箱子吗？ (Nǐ néng bāngmáng wǒ bān zhège xiāngzi ma?)` - “Can you help me move this box?” This is the correct and natural way to ask for help with a task.
False Friend: “To Tolerate” or “Put Up With”
In English, one might say “I can't support this behavior,” meaning “I can't tolerate it.” 支持 never has this meaning. It is always a positive action of backing or propping up. To express intolerance, you would use words like 受不了 (shòubuliǎo - can't stand) or 反对 (fǎnduì - to oppose).
Related Terms and Concepts
帮助 (bāngzhù) - To help, to assist. More general and often refers to a specific act of help rather than long-term backing.
鼓励 (gǔlì) - To encourage. A specific type of emotional support, focusing on giving courage or confidence.
赞成 (zànchéng) - To approve of, to agree with. This is intellectual or verbal support for an idea or proposal. Supporting (支持) something often implies you approve (赞成) of it.
拥护 (yōnghù) - To uphold, to endorse (a leader, a party, an ideology). This is a very strong and formal word, often used in political contexts. It implies unwavering, loyal support.
援助 (yuánzhù) - Aid, assistance. More formal than 帮助, often used for large-scale help like humanitarian aid, foreign aid, or disaster relief.
反对 (fǎnduì) - Antonym: to oppose, to be against. The direct opposite of 支持.
靠山 (kàoshān) - Literally “a mountain to lean on.” A colloquial noun for a powerful backer, patron, or protector who provides support.
同意 (tóngyì) - To agree, to permit. Refers to giving consent or having the same opinion, which is often a prerequisite for giving support.