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.
He propped up the leaning wall with a pole.
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.
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.
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.
Her encouragement propped me up.
To underpin or support from below, often used in economic contexts (e.g., propping up the economy, stock prices).
To enable someone or something to hold out or endure. Implies temporary support to prevent collapse.
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.
He propped himself up on his elbows.
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.
I propped up the bookshelf so it wouldn't fall.
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.
The government propped up the unprofitable company with funds.
The central bank adopted policies to prop up the economy.
His advice propped me up just enough to keep going.
ソファにもたれてテレビを見た。
I propped myself against the sofa and watched TV.