维持

wéi chí
💡 to maintain

政府努力维持社会稳定。

The government is trying to maintain social stability.


general

To keep something in its current state or condition; to preserve or uphold.

医生建议他维持健康的生活方式。

The doctor advised him to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

公司需要维持现有的市场份额。

The company needs to maintain its current market share.

💡

This is the most common usage of '维持' in everyday contexts.

⚖️Law
formal

To sustain or support something, often in a legal or formal context.

法院决定维持原判。

The court decided to uphold the original verdict.

💡

In legal contexts, '维持' can mean to uphold a decision or ruling.

Collocations

维持秩序to maintain order维持生计to make a living维持平衡to maintain balance

Related Phrases

维持现状phrase
to maintain the status quo
维持生计phrase
to make a living

💡Pro Tip

Common Usage

'维持' is often used in formal or official contexts, such as in legal or business settings. In everyday conversation, '保持' is more commonly used.

Gold Rule

Formal vs. Informal

Use '维持' in formal or official contexts, and '保持' in more casual or general situations.

📖Word Origin

The word '维持' is composed of two characters: '维' (to maintain or support) and '持' (to hold or keep). Together, they convey the idea of sustaining something in its current state.

📝Usage Notes

While '维持' and '保持' are often interchangeable, '维持' is more commonly used in formal or official contexts, while '保持' is more general and can be used in both formal and informal settings.

Word Breakdown

to maintain or support
root
+
to hold or keep
root
汉英词典