also: ステー
A temporary stay or visit, often used in travel, hospitality, or event contexts. The spelling ステイ is typical for this meaning.
I enjoyed my stay at the hotel.
prop; support; stay (structural)
A physical support or brace, such as in construction, clothing, or mechanical contexts. The spelling ステー is strongly preferred for this meaning.
We also have long-stay plans.
This shelf needs a support bracket.
Insert stays into the shirt collar.
staying at home
Standard katakana spelling for the 'stay/sojourn' sense; also used for the 'prop/support' sense but ステー is more common there.
Common spelling for the 'prop/support' sense; may also be seen for 'stay' but ステイ is preferred.
Borrowed from English 'stay'. The two spellings reflect different nuances: ステイ for the abstract sense of remaining, and ステー for a physical support, mirroring English usage.