Chinese word

伸张

Pronunciation

Pinyinshēn zhāng

Meaning

  • verbexpand

Example

他想伸张自己的势力。tā xiǎng shēn zhāng zì jǐ de shì lì

He wants to expand his influence.

Illustration for 伸张 (expand)

More examples

社会运动希望通过法律来伸张权利。shè huì yùn dòng xī wàng tōng guò fǎ lǜ lái shēn zhāng quán lì

The social movement hopes to expand rights through the law.

Core concept

An abstract power, right, or reputation is made to reach farther and have a wider effect.

Common phrases

  • 伸张权利shēn zhāng quán lì

    expand rights

  • 伸张正义shēn zhāng zhèng yì

    uphold justice

  • 伸张势力shēn zhāng shì lì

    expand influence

Similar words

扩大kuò dà: Make a size, amount, or general scope larger.
扩张kuò zhāng: Spread territory or power over a wider area.
扩展kuò zhǎn: Broaden an ability, function, or area of activity.

Definition in Chinese

使某种抽象事物的影响或作用范围变大，常用于权利、声誉、势力等。shǐ móu zhǒng chōu xiàng shì wù de yíng xiǎng huò zuò yòng fàn wéi biàn dà cháng yòng yú quán lì shēng yù shì lì děng

Word origin

The compound 伸 (shēn, "stretch") + 张 (zhāng, "spread") joins two images of outward movement and applies them to the wider reach of influence, rights, or reputation.

Usage tips

  • This verb fits speeches, editorials, and serious discussion better than relaxed talk about small personal matters.

Other meanings

  • extendverb
  • strengthenverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word