(wéi chí) - to maintain, to keep up, to keep going in Mandarin
wéichíTraditional: 維持
Translation
to maintain, to keep up, to keep going
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Word origin
A compound of 维 (wéi, to tie, a rope that holds a thing together) and 持 (chí, to hold in the hand), so holding something together so it does not come apart.
- Origin
- compound
- Root
- 维 (wéi, to bind together) + 持 (chí, to hold)
Stroke order
维
持
Examples
。
He can barely keep up his present way of life.
秩序。
The police were keeping order at the entrance.
。
This little shop has kept going for thirty years.
。
We can only cover the basic costs.
。
It is hard for the two of them to keep the relationship going.
维持 (wéi chí) is keeping something going against pressure to stop. It suits systems and situations rather than moods: 维持秩序, 维持生活, 维持现状, 维持这家公司. There is usually an effort implied, and often a hint that the thing is only just holding.
Its neighbour 保持 has no such strain. 保持 is about staying in a good state you already have: 保持安静, 保持健康, 保持联系. Swap them and the meaning shifts. 保持关系 is staying in touch with someone; 维持关系 suggests a relationship being propped up.
The trap is machinery. English maintenance covers servicing a car or a lift, but that is 保养 or 维修 in Chinese, not 维持. Say 维持这台机器 and you have said you are keeping the machine running by force of will, which is a different and rather bleaker claim.
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Mandarin · Free printables
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Free printable study downloads for the Mandarin word "维持" (to maintain, to keep up, to keep going): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.
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Start your free week (no card)This word is taught in chapter 32, lesson 2: 维持, 就行, 大不了 and 7 more words.