Chinese Grammar Reference logo

    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'to hold' with 持 (chí)

    Actions & Events

    Structure

    Subject + 持 + Object

    Explanation

    The verb 持 (chí) means "to hold," "to maintain," or "to support" in Chinese. It is used in both physical contexts (holding an object) and abstract ones (maintaining a position or attitude). It commonly appears in compound verbs like 坚持 (to persist) and 支持 (to support).

    Examples

    • 请你持好这把伞,外面风很大。

      Qǐng nǐ chí hǎo zhè bǎ sǎn, wàimiàn fēng hěn dà.

      Please hold this umbrella firmly; the wind outside is very strong.

    • 我们应该持开放的态度去面对新事物。

      Wǒmen yīnggāi chí kāifàng de tàidù qù miànduì xīn shìwù.

      We should maintain an open attitude when facing new things.

    • 她一直坚持每天早起跑步。

      Tā yìzhí jiānchí měi tiān zǎoqǐ pǎobù.

      She has always persisted in getting up early to run every day.

    Expressing 'to hold' with 持 (chí) | Chinese Grammar