Translation guide
How to express supporting something physically so it doesn't fall, or supporting a person, system, or economy in a figurative sense.
The learner wants to describe physically holding something upright or preventing it from collapsing, such as a person, object, or structure.
General verb for physically supporting something to keep it from falling. Can be used for people, objects, or structures.
彼は倒れそうな壁を棒で支えた。
He propped up the leaning wall with a pole.
疲れた友達を支えて歩いた。
I walked while propping up my tired friend.
To lean something against a wall or surface so it stays upright. Often used for long objects like boards or ladders.
はしごを壁に立てかけた。
I propped the ladder up against the wall.
Literally 'to put a prop/pole against something'. Used for propping up a door, window, or heavy object with a stick or pole.
門が閉まらないようにつっかえ棒をした。
I propped the gate open with a stick.
The learner wants to express helping someone or something (like a business, government, or person) stay functional or afloat, often with money or encouragement.
Same verb as physical support, but used figuratively for emotional, financial, or systemic support.
彼女の励ましが私を支えてくれた。
Her encouragement propped me up.
政府は赤字の会社を資金で支えた。
The government propped up the unprofitable company with funds.
To underpin or support from below, often used in economic contexts (e.g., propping up the economy, stock prices).
中央銀行は景気を下支えする政策をとった。
The central bank adopted policies to prop up the economy.
To enable someone or something to hold out or endure. Implies temporary support to prevent collapse.
彼の助言が私をなんとか持ちこたえさせた。
His advice propped me up just enough to keep going.
The learner wants to describe positioning their own body in a raised or supported posture, often using arms or cushions.
To raise one's upper body, often by propping up on elbows or pillows. Common in daily conversation.
彼は肘をついて体を起こした。
He propped himself up on his elbows.
枕で体を起こして本を読んだ。
I propped myself up with pillows and read a book.
To lean against something for support. Often used when propping oneself against a wall or backrest.
支える is a general verb for supporting something to prevent falling, and can be used both physically and figuratively. 立てかける specifically means leaning a long object against a surface so it stands.
本棚が倒れないように支えた。
I propped up the bookshelf so it wouldn't fall.
板を壁に立てかけた。
I propped the board against the wall.
The English phrase 'prop up' does not have a direct katakana loanword in common use. Always use a natural Japanese verb or phrase depending on the context.
I propped myself against the sofa and watched TV.