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지탱하다

B2 verb #5,000 most common 13 min read

지탱하다

jitaenghada Top 5,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 지탱하다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 지탱하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '지탱하다' (jitaenghada) is a bit advanced, but you can think of it as a special way to say 'hold up.' Imagine a table holding up a heavy book so it doesn't fall. That is '지탱하다.' In very simple Korean, you might just say '들고 있어요' (holding) or '있어요' (is there), but '지탱하다' is for when something is heavy and needs a strong base. For example, your legs '지탱하다' your body when you stand. If your legs were not strong, you would fall down! At this level, just remember it means 'to hold something heavy so it stays up.' You won't use it often in daily greetings, but you might see it in pictures of buildings or bridges. It is like the 'legs' of a building. Think of a chair—the four legs '지탱하다' the person sitting on it. Without those legs, the person would fall. This word is about being strong and not letting things fall. It is a very 'strong' word. You can use it when you talk about your favorite chair or a big tree in the park. The tree's trunk '지탱하다' all the branches and leaves. Even if the wind blows, the trunk is strong and holds everything up. That is the basic idea for A1 learners: holding and supporting.

At the A2 level, you can start to use '지탱하다' for physical objects in simple sentences. You might describe how a house is built or how you use an umbrella. For example, '기둥이 집을 지탱해요' (The pillar supports the house). This level is about moving beyond simple actions and describing how things work together. You can also use it for your own body. If you are tired and lean against a wall, you are '지탱하다'-ing your body with the wall. '벽에 몸을 지탱했어요' (I supported my body against the wall). It's a useful word when talking about health or exercise too. When you do a plank exercise, your arms '지탱하다' your whole body weight. You should notice that this word usually involves a physical 'load' or 'weight.' It is more specific than '가지다' (to have) or '잡다' (to catch/hold). It is specifically about 'bearing weight.' When you go to a museum and see old Korean buildings, you can use this word to talk about the big wooden beams. You can also use it for simple tools, like a tripod for a camera. The tripod '지탱하다' the camera so it doesn't shake. At A2, you are starting to see the world as a collection of things that support each other, and '지탱하다' is the verb that describes that relationship of physical support.

At the B1 level, you should begin to use '지탱하다' for abstract concepts like 'life,' 'family,' and 'emotions.' This is where the word becomes really powerful. It’s not just about pillars and roofs anymore; it’s about what keeps a person going through hard times. For example, '희망이 제 삶을 지탱해 줍니다' (Hope sustains my life). This means hope is like a pillar in your mind. If you lost hope, your spirit would 'collapse.' You can also talk about social support. '친구들의 응원이 저를 지탱해 주었어요' (My friends' cheering sustained me). In B1, you transition from the physical to the metaphorical. You will also see this word in more complex grammar forms, like '-어 주다' (to do for someone) or '-고 있다' (continuous). '지탱해 주고 있어요' sounds more natural when talking about people helping each other. You might also encounter it in news stories about the economy, where experts talk about how 'exports' or 'tourism' support a country. It’s a great word for discussing your motivations and the important people in your life. When you write an essay about 'My Hero,' you can say that person '지탱하다'-ed you. It shows a deeper level of vocabulary than just saying 'helped me.' It implies they were your foundation.

At the B2 level, which is the target level for this word, you should use '지탱하다' with precision and understand its technical nuances. You should be able to distinguish it from '지지하다' (to support an opinion) and '부양하다' (to support a family financially). At B2, you use '지탱하다' to describe systems, structures, and complex relationships. For instance, you might analyze how 'the rule of law sustains a democratic society' (법치주의가 민주주의 사회를 지탱한다). You should also be comfortable with the passive form '지탱되다.' For example, '이 경제 모델은 소비에 의해 지탱됩니다' (This economic model is sustained by consumption). This level requires you to use the word in formal contexts, such as business presentations or academic writing. You should understand that '지탱하다' implies a state of tension or potential failure that is being held back by the support. It’s a dynamic word. If you say a bridge '지탱하다' a load, you are acknowledging the gravity pushing down on it. If you say a person '지탱하다' a company, you are acknowledging the stress the company is under. You should also be able to use the noun form '지탱' in compounds like '지탱력' (supporting power). This is the level where you move from 'knowing' the word to 'mastering' its various shades of meaning in professional and social settings.

At the C1 level, '지탱하다' is used to discuss philosophical, ontological, and highly technical structural concepts. You might use it in a critique of a literary work, discussing how a recurring motif '지탱하다' the entire narrative structure. Or in a scientific context, you might discuss the molecular forces that '지탱하다' the integrity of a cell membrane. At this level, the word is used to describe the very essence of what allows something to exist. You might discuss how 'cultural identity sustains a nation through periods of colonization.' The usage becomes more nuanced; you might use it to describe the 'fragility' of support, using adverbs like '겨우' (barely) or '위태롭게' (precariously). '위태롭게 지탱되고 있는 평화' (A precariously sustained peace). You should also be able to use it in sophisticated rhetorical structures, such as '무엇이 우리 문명을 지탱하는가?' (What sustains our civilization?). At C1, you are expected to understand the historical and cultural weight the word carries when used in Korean literature to describe the resilience of the Korean people (민족의 강인함). You can use it to describe the invisible 'pillars' of human thought, such as logic sustaining an argument or faith sustaining a religion. The word becomes a tool for deep analysis of why things don't fall apart despite the pressures of the world.

At the C2 level, '지탱하다' is a fundamental part of your expressive toolkit for describing the most complex and abstract phenomena. You use it with native-like intuition, often in highly formal or poetic ways. You might use it to describe the 'equilibrium' of the universe or the 'structural foundations' of global geopolitics. At this level, you can play with the word's connotations, perhaps using it ironically or in complex metaphors. For example, '거짓으로 지탱되는 명성' (A reputation sustained by lies). You understand the subtle difference between '지탱하다' and '존속시키다' (to make something continue to exist), recognizing that '지탱하다' specifically highlights the resistance to a downward or destructive force. You would use it in high-level academic papers, political speeches, or when translating complex English concepts like 'sustainability' or 'structural integrity' into natural Korean. You are also aware of how the word appears in classical Korean literature or modern high-brow journalism to evoke a sense of grave responsibility or heroic endurance. At C2, the word is no longer just a vocabulary item; it is a conceptual lens through which you can explain how the world—from the smallest atom to the largest empire—manages to stay upright against the inevitable pull of entropy.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

지탱하다 in 30 Seconds

지탱하다 means to support or sustain a weight or system.
It is used for both physical structures (pillars) and abstract concepts (hope, economy).
It implies resisting a force that wants to cause a collapse.
Commonly paired with objects like '무게' (weight), '삶' (life), and '경제' (economy).

The Korean verb 지탱하다 (jitaenghada) is a sophisticated and essential word that bridges the gap between the physical world of engineering and the internal world of human resilience. At its core, it means to support, prop up, or sustain something so that it does not collapse, fall over, or succumb to pressure. While a beginner might use simpler words like 들다 (to lift) or 받치다 (to support from below), 지탱하다 carries a weightier nuance of endurance against a constant, heavy force. It is the word you use when describing how the massive pillars of the Gyeongbokgung Palace hold up their heavy tiled roofs, or how a single mother’s love provides the structural integrity for a family facing financial hardship. In the CEFR B2 context, understanding this word requires recognizing that 'support' isn't just a physical act; it is a systemic necessity. Without the action of 지탱하다, the subject in question would likely fail or disappear entirely.

Physical Support: This refers to the structural capacity to bear weight. For instance, an old bridge might no longer be able to 지탱하다 the weight of heavy trucks. It describes the relationship between a foundation and the structure above it.
Abstract Sustenance: This refers to the invisible forces that keep a system or a person going. If you say 'Hope 지탱하다s my life,' you are suggesting that without hope, your mental or emotional state would collapse into despair.

낡은 기둥이 겨우 지붕을 지탱하고 있습니다. (The old pillar is barely supporting the roof.)

In modern Korean society, you will frequently hear this word in economic news. Journalists often discuss which industries 지탱하다 the national economy. For example, during global recessions, Korea's semiconductor exports are often described as the 'pillar' that 지탱하다 the country's financial stability. This usage highlights the word's connection to vital, foundational strength. It is not merely about holding something up temporarily; it is about being the reason something continues to exist in its current form. Whether it is a hiker using a walking stick to 지탱하다 their tired body or a government policy designed to 지탱하다 a failing market, the word implies a struggle against gravity, time, or failure.

그의 인내심이 무너져가는 회사를 지탱하는 유일한 힘이었습니다. (His patience was the only force sustaining the crumbling company.)

The versatility of 지탱하다 also extends to the physical body. If someone feels faint, they might look for something to 지탱하다 their body (몸을 지탱하다). In medical contexts, a brace or a cast might be described as a device that helps 지탱하다 a broken bone. This physical grounding makes the word very intuitive once you grasp the visual of a 'prop' or a 'brace.' Even in intellectual discourse, a researcher might say their argument is 지탱하다-ed by specific data points. If the data is proven false, the argument can no longer be sustained. Thus, 지탱하다 is about the 'logic of support' across all domains of human experience.

Economic Context: 수출이 우리 경제를 지탱하는 버팀목입니다. (Exports are the prop that sustains our economy.)
Personal Context: 가족의 사랑이 나를 지탱해 주었다. (The love of my family sustained me.)

강한 의지로 고통을 지탱하며 끝까지 달렸습니다. (He ran to the end, sustaining the pain with strong will.)

In summary, using 지탱하다 elevates your Korean from basic descriptions to nuanced observations of how things—structures, lives, or systems—are held together. It implies a sense of duty, strength, and the prevention of catastrophe. When you use this word, you are acknowledging the essential foundation that keeps the world upright.

Using 지탱하다 correctly requires understanding its grammatical behavior and the specific nouns it typically pairs with. As a transitive verb, it almost always takes an object marked by the particles -을/를. The structure is generally: [Subject]이/가 [Object]을/를 지탱하다. The subject is the 'supporter' and the object is the 'thing being supported.' However, because it is often used in formal or descriptive writing, you will frequently see it in the passive-like form 지탱되다 (to be sustained/supported) or in the continuous form 지탱하고 있다.

Physical Weight Pattern: When talking about weight or pressure: [무게/하중/몸]을 지탱하다.
Example: 이 다리는 10톤의 무게를 지탱할 수 있습니다. (This bridge can support a weight of 10 tons.)
Abstract/Mental Pattern: When talking about life, spirit, or systems: [삶/정신/경제/체제]를 지탱하다.
Example: 그의 철학이 그의 삶을 지탱하는 근간이다. (His philosophy is the foundation that sustains his life.)

지팡이에 의지해 몸을 지탱하며 천천히 걸었습니다. (He walked slowly, supporting his body by leaning on a cane.)

One of the most common ways to use this verb in a complex sentence is by using the -아/어 주다 auxiliary form. When you say 지탱해 주다, it adds a nuance of 'providing' support as a benefit to someone else. For example, '가족이 나를 지탱해 주었다' (My family supported/sustained me) sounds more natural and warm than the plain '지탱했다.' It implies that the support was a helpful act of service or love. In contrast, in technical or scientific contexts, you would stick to the plain form to maintain objectivity.

In more advanced writing, you might encounter the causative or forced nuances. For example, '무엇이 그를 지탱하게 하는가?' (What makes him sustain [himself]?). Here, the focus is on the motivating factor. Furthermore, the noun form 지탱 is often combined with other nouns to create compound concepts like 지탱력 (staying power/supporting force). This describes the quantitative ability of a material or person to provide support. If a building has weak 지탱력, it is at risk of collapse.

이 이론을 지탱할 만한 근거가 부족합니다. (There is a lack of evidence to sustain this theory.)

When describing a state that has been continuing, the form -어 오다 is used: 지탱해 왔다. This is perfect for talking about historical longevity. '이 전통은 수백 년 동안 우리 마을을 지탱해 왔습니다' (This tradition has sustained our village for hundreds of years). This highlights the temporal dimension of the word—it is about holding up against the flow of time. Whether you are writing a technical report or a personal diary entry, mastering these patterns allows you to express the concept of 'holding it all together' with precision and emotional depth.

Formal Usage: 국가 안보는 국민의 단합된 힘으로 지탱됩니다. (National security is sustained by the united strength of the people.)
Literary Usage: 그녀의 미소만이 그 지옥 같은 시간을 지탱하게 했다. (Only her smile allowed him to endure that hellish time.)

뿌리가 깊어야 나무가 거센 바람을 지탱할 수 있습니다. (The roots must be deep for the tree to support itself against strong winds.)

While 지탱하다 might seem like a literary or technical term, it appears in several specific real-world contexts that English speakers should recognize. Understanding these 'habitats' for the word will help you identify its meaning even when the surrounding vocabulary is difficult. The most common place you will encounter it is in TV News and Newspapers, specifically in segments regarding the economy, social structures, or national defense. When a news anchor says, '중소기업이 한국 경제의 허리를 지탱하고 있습니다' (Small and medium enterprises are sustaining the waist/middle of the Korean economy), they are using a classic metaphor of the human body to describe structural economic support.

Economic News: You will hear this when experts discuss what keeps the market from crashing. Words like '버팀목' (prop/support) often appear alongside 지탱하다.
Documentaries & History: When discussing ancient architecture, such as how Hanok (traditional houses) are built without nails, the narrator will explain how the columns 지탱하다 the heavy roof.

정부의 보조금이 폐업 위기의 자영업자들을 지탱해 주고 있습니다. (Government subsidies are sustaining self-employed people at risk of closing down.)

Another frequent context is Sports Commentary. When an athlete is injured but continues to play, the commentator might note how they are '지탱하며' (sustaining/holding up) their performance despite the pain. Or, if a team’s defense is under heavy attack but doesn't concede a goal, they are described as 지탱하다-ing the game. This highlights the 'resistance' aspect of the word. It is not just about holding; it is about holding while something is trying to push you down. This nuance makes it a favorite for dramatic storytelling in movies and K-dramas as well.

In Academic Lectures, particularly in the humanities or social sciences, professors use 지탱하다 to describe the 'pillars' of a civilization or a philosophical system. You might hear a lecture on how Confucianism 지탱하다-ed the social order of the Joseon Dynasty for 500 years. In this context, the word takes on a grander, more historical scale. It is about the 'backbone' of a culture. If you are a student in Korea, you will see this word in your textbooks across almost every subject, from physics (forces) to sociology (social bonds).

이 다큐멘터리는 한 가족을 지탱하는 어머니의 희생을 다루고 있습니다. (This documentary deals with a mother's sacrifice that sustains a family.)

Lastly, in Medical or Health Contexts, doctors or physical therapists use it. They might ask if you can '지탱하다' your weight on your left leg after an injury. In this setting, it is a very practical, functional question. If you are at a gym in Korea, a trainer might tell you to '코어 근육으로 몸을 지탱하세요' (Support your body with your core muscles). This wide range—from the abstract survival of a nation to the physical act of standing on one leg—makes 지탱하다 a high-frequency word in adult-level Korean communication.

Daily Life: 벽을 지탱하고 서 있었다. (I was standing, supporting myself against the wall.)
Professional Setting: 신뢰가 비즈니스 관계를 지탱하는 핵심입니다. (Trust is the key that sustains business relationships.)

한류 열풍이 한국의 문화 산업을 지탱하는 큰 축이 되었습니다. (The Hallyu wave has become a major axis sustaining Korea's cultural industry.)

For English speakers, the primary difficulty with 지탱하다 lies in its overlap with other Korean words that translate to 'support' or 'sustain.' Because English uses the word 'support' for everything from 'supporting a sports team' to 'supporting a roof,' learners often over-apply 지탱하다 where it doesn't fit. The most frequent error is using it for emotional or social backing. If you want to say 'I support your opinion,' using 지탱하다 would be incorrect and sound very strange, as if you are physically propping up their words so they don't fall on the floor. In that case, 지지하다 (to back/support) is the correct term.

Error: Over-Physicalizing Opinions: Incorrect: 나는 너의 의견을 지탱해. (I support your opinion - sounds like propping up a physical object.)
Correct: 나는 너의 의견을 지지해.
Error: Confusing with Financial Support: Incorrect: 아버지가 나를 지탱해 주신다. (My father supports me - implies he is physically holding you up.)
Correct: 아버지가 나를 부양해 주신다. (My father supports/provides for me financially.)

이 기둥은 건물을 지탱하는 것이지, 건물을 '지지'하는 것이 아닙니다. (This pillar sustains/supports the building, it doesn't 'back/endorse' the building.)

Another nuance mistake involves confusing 지탱하다 with 버티다. While they are related, '버티다' is more about 'enduring' or 'holding out' from the perspective of the one suffering. If you are struggling through a hard day, you are '버티고 있다' (enduring). If you are the person helping someone else get through that hard day, you are the one '지탱해 주는 사람' (the person sustaining them). Using 지탱하다 for yourself often sounds more clinical or physical, whereas 버티다 sounds more about willpower. For example, '다리가 지탱하지 못했다' (My legs couldn't support me) is a physical failure, while '더 이상 못 버티겠다' (I can't endure anymore) is a failure of will or stamina.

Learners also struggle with the passive forms. Sometimes they try to use 지탱해지다 which is grammatically awkward. Instead, the standard passive-like counterpart is 지탱되다. For example, '사회가 지탱되다' (Society is sustained). Using the wrong ending can make your sentence sound 'clunky' even if the root word is correct. Additionally, ensure you don't confuse it with 유지하다 (to maintain). While you can '유지하다' a relationship, '지탱하다' a relationship implies the relationship is under such stress that it requires active effort to keep it from falling apart. Using 지탱하다 in a healthy relationship might accidentally imply that the relationship is a burden or on the verge of collapse.

경제 성장은 수출에 의해 지탱되고 있습니다. (Economic growth is being sustained by exports.)

Lastly, be careful with the object markers. Since 지탱하다 is a verb that describes a relationship between two things, forgetting the -을/를 particle can lead to confusion about what is supporting what. In a sentence like '기둥이 지붕을 지탱한다,' the particles clearly show the pillar is the actor. If you swap them or omit them, the logic of the structure falls apart—just like the building would! Pay close attention to these particles to ensure your 'support' is directed at the right object.

Confusion with 'Keep': English speakers often say 'keep a secret.' In Korean, this is '비밀을 지키다.' Never use '비밀을 지탱하다' as it makes no sense in Korean.
Nuance of Burden: Remember that 지탱하다 implies a load. If there is no load, the word feels out of place.

그는 겨우 두 다리로 몸을 지탱하고 서 있었습니다. (He was barely standing, supporting his body with his two legs.)

To truly master 지탱하다, you must understand its synonyms and how they differ in specific contexts. Korean is a language rich in 'support' verbs, each with a slightly different flavor. The closest relative is 받치다. While 지탱하다 is often used for overall structural sustainment (both physical and abstract), 받치다 is strictly physical and usually refers to supporting something from directly underneath. You '받치다' an umbrella over your head, or you '받치다' a book with your hand. It doesn't carry the same 'existential sustainability' that 지탱하다 does.

지탱하다 vs. 받치다: 지탱하다: Structural, long-term, can be abstract (e.g., sustaining an economy).
받치다: Physical, immediate, usually from below (e.g., holding a chin with a hand).
지탱하다 vs. 유지하다: 지탱하다: Implies resisting a force that might cause collapse.
유지하다: To maintain a status quo (e.g., maintaining a temperature or a friendship).

턱을 괴다 (to prop up one's chin) is more specific than 지탱하다 for that action.

Another important alternative is 부양하다. This is the specific word for 'supporting' family members financially. If you are the breadwinner, you '부양하다' your parents or children. You would not usually say you '지탱하다' your children unless you are speaking metaphorically about keeping them alive during a war or a crisis. Then there is 지지하다, which we mentioned earlier. This is for 'backing' a candidate, a policy, or an idea. It is 'support' in the sense of agreement and alliance, rather than structural integrity.

In engineering or formal reports, you might see 견디다 (to endure/withstand). While 지탱하다 describes the act of supporting, 견디다 describes the ability of the material to not break. '이 재료는 고온을 지탱한다' is possible, but '이 재료는 고온을 견딘다' (This material withstands high heat) is more common. If you want to emphasize the 'foundation' aspect, the noun 버팀목 (a prop/support beam) is frequently used with the verb 되다 (to become). '그는 우리 팀의 버팀목이 되어 주었다' (He became the prop/support of our team) is a very common idiomatic way to express the meaning of 지탱하다 through a noun.

어려운 시절을 버티게 해준 것은 음악이었습니다. (What helped me endure hard times was music.)

Lastly, consider 뒷받침하다. This means 'to back up' or 'to substantiate.' It is used mostly in intellectual contexts. '데이터가 주장을 뒷받침한다' (Data backs up the claim). This is a great alternative to 지탱하다 when you are talking about evidence or proof. While 지탱하다 says the claim 'stands' because of the data, 뒷받침하다 says the data 'stands behind' the claim. Choosing between these depends on whether you want to emphasize the structural stability (지탱) or the supporting evidence (뒷받침).

지탱하다 vs. 뒷받침하다: 지탱하다: The claim would collapse without it.
뒷받침하다: The claim is strengthened and verified by it.
지탱하다 vs. 후원하다: 지탱하다: Essential structural support.
후원하다: Financial sponsorship or patronage (e.g., sponsoring an artist).

그의 주장을 뒷받침할 증거가 충분합니다. (There is enough evidence to back up his claim.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 撑 (taeng) also appears in words related to 'fullness' or 'bursting' because it implies a force pushing outward or upward.

Pronunciation Guide

UK t͡ɕi.tʰɛŋ.ɦa.da

US t͡ʃi.tʰæŋ.hɑ.dɑ

Stress is evenly distributed across syllables, with a slight rise on 'taeng'.

Rhymes With

행하다 (haenghada) 대항하다 (daehanghada) 평행하다 (pyeonghaenghada) 동행하다 (donghaenghada) 진행하다 (jinhaenghada) 발행하다 (balhaenghada) 유행하다 (yuhaenghada) 후행하다 (huhaenghada)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'taeng' like 'tang' (rhyming with 'song'). It should be like 'hang'.
Ignoring the aspiration on 't' in 'taeng'. It needs a puff of air.
Pronouncing 'ji' too strongly like 'chee'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Common in news and literature, requires understanding of Hanja-based nuances.

Writing 5/5

Difficult to use correctly without confusing it with similar 'support' verbs.

Speaking 4/5

Used in serious discussions; sounds very sophisticated when used correctly.

Listening 3/5

Clear pronunciation, but context is key to understanding the abstract vs physical use.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

들다 (to lift) 돕다 (to help) 기둥 (pillar) 무게 (weight) 힘 (strength)

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지지하다 (to support/endorse) 부양하다 (to support financially) 뒷받침하다 (to back up/substantiate) 유지하다 (to maintain) 존속하다 (to continue to exist)

Advanced

근간 (foundation) 버팀목 (prop) 하중 (load/weight) 안정성 (stability) 내구성 (durability)

Grammar to Know

-어/아 주다 (Auxiliary verb for benefit)

그가 나를 지탱해 주었다.

-을/를 (Object markers for the thing being supported)

무게를 지탱하다.

-기 위해 (In order to)

삶을 지탱하기 위해 일한다.

-고 있다 (Continuous state)

기둥이 지붕을 지탱하고 있다.

-에 의해 (By/Through - used with passive)

경제는 수출에 의해 지탱된다.

Examples by Level

의자가 저를 지탱해요.

The chair supports me.

Simple subject-object-verb structure.

다리가 몸을 지탱해요.

Legs support the body.

Direct physical support.

책상이 책을 지탱해요.

The desk supports the books.

Physical weight support.

나무가 집을 지탱해요.

The wood supports the house.

Structural support.

이 기둥은 강해요.

This pillar is strong (it supports).

Contextual meaning of support.

손으로 벽을 지탱해요.

I support myself against the wall with my hand.

Using a tool/body part for support.

자전거가 서 있어요.

The bicycle is standing (supported).

Result of support.

힘이 필요해요.

Strength is needed (to support).

Requirement for 지탱하다.

지팡이가 할아버지를 지탱해 줘요.

The cane supports the grandfather.

Use of -어 주다 for helpful support.

이 다리는 차들을 지탱할 수 있어요.

This bridge can support cars.

Ability form -을 수 있다.

벽에 기대어 몸을 지탱하세요.

Support your body by leaning against the wall.

Imperative form -으세요.

작은 못이 그림을 지탱하고 있어요.

A small nail is supporting the picture.

Continuous form -고 있다.

무거운 지붕을 어떻게 지탱해요?

How do you support a heavy roof?

Question form.

두 손으로 컵을 지탱하세요.

Support the cup with both hands.

Physical action.

뿌리가 나무를 땅에서 지탱해요.

Roots support the tree in the ground.

Natural support system.

이 신발은 발을 잘 지탱해요.

These shoes support the feet well.

Product function.

가족의 사랑이 저를 지탱하는 힘이에요.

Family love is the strength that sustains me.

Abstract noun phrase with -는 것.

어려운 상황에서도 희망을 지탱해야 해요.

You must sustain hope even in difficult situations.

Obligation form -해야 하다.

그의 격려가 내 마음을 지탱해 주었다.

His encouragement sustained my heart.

Past tense with auxiliary verb.

수출이 우리 나라 경제를 지탱하고 있습니다.

Exports are sustaining our country's economy.

Formal continuous usage.

그녀는 혼자서 아이들을 지탱하며 살았다.

She lived while sustaining her children by herself.

Simultaneous action -며.

이 이론을 지탱할 증거를 찾고 있어요.

I am looking for evidence to sustain this theory.

Intellectual support.

정신력이 몸의 고통을 지탱하게 했다.

Willpower allowed him to sustain the body's pain.

Causative form -게 하다.

우정은 우리 삶을 지탱하는 소중한 것입니다.

Friendship is a precious thing that sustains our lives.

Descriptive definition.

반도체 산업은 한국 경제를 지탱하는 핵심 축이다.

The semiconductor industry is a key axis sustaining the Korean economy.

Sophisticated economic metaphor.

건물의 하중을 지탱하기 위해 특수 강철을 사용했다.

Special steel was used to support the load of the building.

Technical engineering context.

민주주의는 시민의 참여로 지탱되는 체제입니다.

Democracy is a system sustained by citizen participation.

Passive form -되는 to describe a system.

부모님은 힘든 농사일로 가계를 지탱해 오셨다.

My parents have sustained the household through hard farming.

Longevity form -해 오다.

신뢰가 무너지면 관계를 지탱하기 어렵습니다.

If trust collapses, it is hard to sustain the relationship.

Conditional clause with -면.

그는 부상에도 불구하고 끝까지 몸을 지탱하며 경기를 마쳤다.

Despite the injury, he finished the game while sustaining his body until the end.

Contrastive phrase '불구하고'.

이 다큐멘터리는 공동체를 지탱하는 무형의 가치들을 조명한다.

This documentary highlights the intangible values that sustain a community.

Formal journalistic style.

정부는 시장의 혼란을 지탱할 대책을 마련해야 한다.

The government must prepare measures to sustain the market confusion (keep it from collapsing).

Policy-oriented language.

전통 문화는 민족의 정체성을 지탱하는 근간이 된다.

Traditional culture becomes the foundation that sustains a nation's identity.

Highly abstract cultural analysis.

자본주의 사회는 끊임없는 소비에 의해 지탱되고 있다.

Capitalist society is being sustained by constant consumption.

Sociological critique.

이 논문은 방대한 데이터를 통해 자신의 가설을 지탱한다.

This thesis sustains its hypothesis through vast amounts of data.

Academic verification.

인간의 존엄성을 지탱하는 것은 결국 법과 윤리이다.

What sustains human dignity is ultimately law and ethics.

Philosophical statement.

위태롭게 지탱되던 평화 협정이 결국 파기되었다.

The peace treaty, which had been precariously sustained, was eventually annulled.

Adverbial modification '위태롭게'.

생태계의 균형을 지탱하는 먹이 사슬이 파괴되고 있다.

The food chain that sustains the balance of the ecosystem is being destroyed.

Scientific/Environmental context.

그녀의 문학적 상상력은 고통스러운 현실을 지탱하는 유일한 도피처였다.

Her literary imagination was the only refuge sustaining her painful reality.

Literary/Psychological depth.

사회적 안전망이 취약 계층을 지탱하는 역할을 수행한다.

The social safety net performs the role of sustaining vulnerable populations.

Public policy terminology.

우주의 팽창을 지탱하는 암흑 에너지의 정체는 여전히 베일에 싸여 있다.

The identity of dark energy, which sustains the expansion of the universe, remains shrouded in mystery.

Astrophysical complexity.

기득권층은 자신들의 권력을 지탱하기 위해 여론을 조작하곤 한다.

The establishment often manipulates public opinion to sustain their power.

Political cynicism/critique.

존재의 허무를 지탱하는 것은 찰나의 아름다움일지도 모른다.

What sustains the futility of existence might be the beauty of a fleeting moment.

Existential philosophy.

이 건축물은 중력을 지탱하는 역학적 설계의 정수를 보여준다.

This building shows the essence of mechanical design that sustains gravity.

Professional architectural critique.

언어는 사고의 구조를 지탱하며 세계를 인식하는 틀을 제공한다.

Language sustains the structure of thought and provides a framework for perceiving the world.

Linguistic philosophy.

국가라는 거대 기구를 지탱하는 것은 개개인의 묵인과 복종이다.

What sustains the massive machinery of the state is the acquiescence and obedience of individuals.

Political theory.

그의 명성은 오직 과거의 영광에 의해 위태롭게 지탱되고 있을 뿐이다.

His reputation is merely being precariously sustained by past glory.

Nuanced character description.

문명의 붕괴를 지탱하던 마지막 보루가 무너졌다.

The last bastion that sustained the collapse of civilization has fallen.

Epic/Historical narrative style.

Synonyms

버티다 유지하다 받치다 견디다 지지하다

Antonyms

무너지다 굴복하다

Common Collocations

무게를 지탱하다

삶을 지탱하다

경제를 지탱하다

몸을 지탱하다

가계를 지탱하다

정신을 지탱하다

하중을 지탱하다

체제를 지탱하다

근거를 지탱하다

위태롭게 지탱하다

Common Phrases

버팀목이 되어 지탱하다

— To act as a physical or emotional prop to support someone/something.

그는 가족의 버팀목이 되어 집안을 지탱했다.

간신히 지탱하다

— To barely manage to support or sustain something.

그는 부러진 다리로 간신히 몸을 지탱했다.

지탱할 힘이 없다

— To have no strength left to support oneself or a situation.

너무 지쳐서 더 이상 몸을 지탱할 힘이 없어요.

뿌리째 지탱하다

— To support something from its very roots/foundation.

전통은 우리 사회를 뿌리째 지탱하는 힘이다.

양팔로 지탱하다

— To support something using both arms.

그는 양팔로 무거운 상자를 지탱했다.

신념으로 지탱하다

— To sustain oneself or a cause through personal belief.

그는 오직 신념 하나로 그 시련을 지탱했다.

기둥이 지탱하다

— A standard phrase for structural support in architecture.

중심 기둥이 건물 전체를 지탱하고 있다.

경제의 허리를 지탱하다

— To support the 'waist' (middle/core) of the economy.

중소기업은 경제의 허리를 지탱하는 중요한 존재다.

서로 지탱해 주다

— To support each other mutually.

우리는 서로 지탱해 주며 힘든 시간을 보냈다.

위기를 지탱하다

— To hold up or sustain a situation during a crisis.

정부의 빠른 대응이 위기를 지탱하는 데 큰 역할을 했다.

Often Confused With

지탱하다 vs 지지하다

Use this for opinions/voting. 지탱하다 is for weight/existence.

지탱하다 vs 부양하다

Use this for financial support of family members.

지탱하다 vs 버티다

Use this for internal endurance/holding out.

Idioms & Expressions

"한 집안의 기둥이 지탱하다"

— Describes a person who is the main support of a family.

장남인 그가 한 집안의 기둥으로서 가계를 지탱하고 있다.

Common

"턱을 괴고 지탱하다"

— To prop up one's chin (usually while thinking).

그는 책상에 앉아 턱을 괴고 몸을 지탱하며 고민에 빠졌다.

Descriptive

"지팡이 하나에 의지해 지탱하다"

— To depend solely on a single point of support.

노인은 지팡이 하나에 의지해 위태로운 걸음을 지탱했다.

Literary

"벼랑 끝에서 지탱하다"

— To barely hold on at the edge of a cliff (metaphor for a dire situation).

회사는 벼랑 끝에서 간신히 경영을 지탱하고 있다.

Journalistic

"허리가 휘도록 지탱하다"

— To support something to the point that one's back bends (working extremely hard).

어머니는 허리가 휘도록 일하며 우리 가족을 지탱하셨다.

Idiomatic

"뿌리 깊은 나무가 지탱하다"

— A metaphor for someone with a strong foundation who doesn't waver.

그는 뿌리 깊은 나무처럼 어떤 유혹에도 흔들림 없이 자신을 지탱했다.

Literary

"마지막 끈을 지탱하다"

— To hold onto the last string/hope.

그는 희망이라는 마지막 끈을 지탱하며 하루하루를 버텼다.

Metaphorical

"두 다리로 땅을 지탱하다"

— To stand firmly on the ground.

우리는 두 다리로 땅을 지탱하고 당당히 서야 한다.

Motivational

"한 축을 지탱하다"

— To support one major axis/part of a system.

관광업은 이 도시 경제의 한 축을 지탱하고 있다.

Formal

"무게 중심을 지탱하다"

— To maintain the center of gravity.

운동 선수는 무게 중심을 잘 지탱해야 넘어지지 않는다.

Technical

Easily Confused

지탱하다 vs 받치다

Both mean 'to support' physically.

받치다 is usually support from below for a specific object (like an umbrella). 지탱하다 is for overall structural stability.

우산을 받치다 (Correct) vs 우산을 지탱하다 (Awkward).

지탱하다 vs 유지하다

Both imply 'keeping something going'.

유지하다 is about keeping a constant state. 지탱하다 is about preventing a collapse under pressure.

체중을 유지하다 (Maintain weight) vs 체중을 지탱하다 (Support weight physically).

지탱하다 vs 견디다

Both involve dealing with pressure.

견디다 focuses on the object's durability (not breaking). 지탱하다 focuses on the act of providing support.

추위를 견디다 (Endure cold) vs 추위를 지탱하다 (Incorrect).

지탱하다 vs 후원하다

Both mean 'support'.

후원하다 is specifically for financial sponsorship or patronage.

가수를 후원하다 (Sponsor a singer) vs 가수를 지탱하다 (Incorrect).

지탱하다 vs 뒷받침하다

Both mean 'to back up'.

뒷받침하다 is for evidence or secondary support. 지탱하다 is for primary structural support.

증거가 지탱한다 (Awkward) vs 증거가 뒷받침한다 (Correct).

Sentence Patterns

[N]이/가 [N]을/를 지탱해요.

기둥이 집을 지탱해요.

[N]이/가 [N]을/를 지탱해 줘요.

친구가 저를 지탱해 줘요.

[N]을/를 지탱하는 힘

나를 지탱하는 힘은 가족이다.

[N]은/는 [N]에 의해 지탱된다.

경제는 수출에 의해 지탱된다.

[N]을/를 지탱할 수 있는 [N]

무게를 지탱할 수 있는 기둥.

[N]을/를 위태롭게 지탱하다.

그는 간신히 명성을 위태롭게 지탱하고 있다.

[N]을/를 지탱하는 근간/축

신뢰는 사회를 지탱하는 근간이다.

[N]의 구조를 지탱하는 [N]

언어는 사고의 구조를 지탱한다.

Word Family

Nouns

지탱 (Support/Sustenance)

지탱력 (Supporting power/staying power)

지탱물 (Support object/prop)

Verbs

지탱되다 (To be supported/sustained - passive)

버팀목 (Prop/Support beam)

지지 (Support/Endorsement)

유지 (Maintenance)

부양 (Financial support)

근간 (Foundation/Root)

How to Use It

frequency

High in written/formal Korean; Medium in spoken Korean.

Common Mistakes

Using 지탱하다 for supporting a friend's opinion. → 의견을 지지하다.
지탱하다 is for structural/physical support. For opinions, use 지지하다.
Saying '돈으로 아들을 지탱하다'. → 아들을 부양하다.
For financial support of family, the specific word is 부양하다.
Confusing 지탱하다 with 버티다 in self-expression. → 힘든 시간을 버티다.
While '지탱하다' works metaphorically, '버티다' is more natural when talking about your own internal struggle.
Using 지탱하다 for holding a small object like a pen. → 펜을 잡다 / 들다.
지탱하다 implies a significant weight or load. Small objects don't need 'sustaining'.
Incorrect passive form '지탱해지다'. → 지탱되다.
Hanja-based verbs usually take -되다 for the passive form, not -해지다.

Tips

Use with -을/를

Always remember that 지탱하다 is a transitive verb. You need an object that is being supported. '무엇을 지탱하는가?' (What are you supporting?)

Think of 'Resilience'

Use this word when you want to emphasize that something is staying up *despite* pressure. It’s a word about strength and endurance.

Pair with '버팀목'

The noun '버팀목' (prop/support) is the best friend of '지탱하다'. You can say '버팀목이 되어 지탱해 주다'.

Economic Contexts

When reading the news, look for this word to understand what the 'pillars' of the Korean economy are (e.g., semiconductors, exports).

Formal Situations

Using '지탱하다' instead of '돕다' in a formal presentation will make you sound much more professional and advanced.

Passive vs. Active

Use '지탱하다' when focusing on the supporter, and '지탱되다' when focusing on the thing being supported.

The 'Pillar' Image

Every time you see a pillar, think '지탱하다'. This visual association will lock the word in your memory.

Physical Therapy

In a medical context, this word is used to ask if you can bear weight on a limb. '다리로 지탱할 수 있어요?'

Poetic Use

Don't be afraid to use it for abstract things like 'dreams' or 'memories' in your writing. '추억이 나를 지탱한다'.

Don't confuse with '지지'

Remember: Physical/Structural = 지탱, Opinion/Political = 지지.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Giant' (Ji) using a 'Tank' (Taeng) to support a falling building. The Giant and the Tank are '지탱하다'-ing the structure.

Visual Association

Imagine the massive wooden pillars (기둥) of a Korean palace. Those pillars are the ultimate visual representation of 지탱하다.

Word Web

Pillar (기둥) Weight (무게) Life (삶) Economy (경제) Hope (희망) Foundation (기초) Endure (버티다) Bridge (다리)

Challenge

Try to find three things in your room right now that '지탱하다' something else (e.g., the floor supports the bed, the shelf supports the books).

Word Origin

From the Sino-Korean characters 支 (ji) and 撑 (taeng).

Original meaning: 支 (ji) means 'to support' or 'branch', and 撑 (taeng) means 'to prop up' or 'push'. Together, they describe the act of propping something up with a support.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based)

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but using it for people (e.g., 'I sustain you') can sound very heavy and burdensome, so use it carefully in romantic contexts.

English speakers might use 'support' or 'carry,' but '지탱하다' is more formal and structural. It's like 'sustain' in a high-stakes environment.

The 'Miracle on the Han River' is often described as being '지탱'ed by the hard work of the Korean people. Traditional Hanok architecture is a masterclass in '지탱하다' without using metal nails. K-drama protagonists often have a '지탱해 주는 사람' (a person who sustains them) during their darkest hours.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Architecture/Engineering

하중을 지탱하다
구조를 지탱하다
기둥이 지탱하다
설계상 지탱하다

Economics

경제를 지탱하다
시장을 지탱하다
수출로 지탱하다
가계를 지탱하다

Psychology/Life

정신을 지탱하다
삶을 지탱하다
희망으로 지탱하다
마음을 지탱하다

Health/Sports

몸을 지탱하다
무게를 지탱하다
부상을 지탱하다
근력으로 지탱하다

Social/Political

체제를 지탱하다
질서를 지탱하다
신뢰로 지탱하다
공동체를 지탱하다

Conversation Starters

"당신의 삶을 지탱하는 가장 큰 힘은 무엇인가요?"

"한국 경제를 지탱하는 가장 중요한 산업이 무엇이라고 생각하세요?"

"힘든 시기에 당신을 지탱해 준 사람이 있나요?"

"이 건물의 독특한 디자인은 어떻게 무게를 지탱할까요?"

"우리의 우정을 지탱하는 핵심 요소는 무엇일까요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 하루 나를 지탱해 준 작은 행복들에 대해 써보세요.

내가 누군가에게 지탱할 수 있는 '버팀목'이 되어 주었던 경험을 기록하세요.

사회 시스템이 무너지지 않고 지탱되기 위해 가장 필요한 가치는 무엇일까요?

미래의 내가 힘들 때 나를 지탱해 줄 나만의 신념은 무엇인가요?

신체적 건강이 정신적 건강을 어떻게 지탱하는지 당신의 생각을 적어보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, for sports teams or political candidates, you should use '응원하다' (to cheer for) or '지지하다' (to support/back). '지탱하다' implies you are physically holding them up so they don't fall over, which doesn't fit the context of fandom or political support.

'지탱하다' is transitive, meaning you support *something else* (or your own body). '버티다' is more about the internal act of enduring or holding out against a difficult situation. For example, '기둥이 지붕을 지탱한다' (The pillar supports the roof) vs '그는 고통을 버텼다' (He endured the pain).

It is moderately common. You'll use it when talking about health (supporting your body), your life motivations (what sustains you), or structural things. However, it is much more frequent in news, books, and formal discussions than in casual small talk.

Yes, but usually in a broad sense like '지탱하는 경제' (sustaining economy) or '가계를 지탱하다' (sustaining the household budget). For the specific act of providing money for someone's living expenses, '부양하다' is more precise.

Yes, the passive form is '지탱되다'. It means 'to be supported' or 'to be sustained'. It is very common in formal writing, such as '이 체제는 신뢰로 지탱된다' (This system is sustained by trust).

While technically an umbrella supports itself, we usually use the verb '받치다' (to hold up from below) for umbrellas. Saying '우산을 지탱하다' sounds like the umbrella is a massive structural beam, which is a bit dramatic.

You can use '자력으로 지탱하다' (to support oneself by one's own power). However, the specific term for self-reliance is usually '자립하다'.

Yes! '지탱력' (jitaeng-nyeok) is a noun that means 'supporting power' or 'staying power'. It's often used in sports or engineering to describe how much load or stress something can handle.

Absolutely. '희망이 나를 지탱한다' (Hope sustains me) is a very common and natural expression in Korean literature and daily life.

The Hanja is 支 (지 - to support) and 撑 (태 - to prop up). Knowing this helps you understand that it's about providing a physical or metaphorical prop.