支持 and 支撑

watyamacallit
 February 27, 2011, 10:42 AM posted in I Have a Question

Just wondering about the difference between 支持 and 支撑. I realise that 支撑 can be used in the sense of providing physical support, whereas 支持 apparently cannot. I believe 支持 can be used for providing moral support, or supporting a political party or a sporting team. Can 支撑 be used interchangeably in these cases, or does it have a different connotation?

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bonnie_hui
 February 27, 2011, 12:02 PM

Maybe you are right.We always say:支撑家庭 and 支持工作.

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watyamacallit

So is there a different connotation in those 2 examples?

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bonnie_hui

yes, 支撑家庭 means the parents support their familiy, and 支持工作 means staffs support work each other.

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connie
 February 28, 2011, 09:17 AM

1. "支撑"一般是顶住压力和困难，尽力坚持下去。也可以用"支持"。但是"支撑"比"支持"的语气重。

eg, 如果银行不肯贷款，恐怕公司支撑不了多久了。

他一个人支撑一个家，实在是不容易。

这座桥只用几根木头支撑着，很危险。

2. "支持"经常用于在精神方面赞成鼓励别人，为别人加油。"支撑"不可以。

eg, 我支持你！

我爸妈不太支持我去外地工作。

谢谢大家的支持。