僵持 (jiāng chí) is a verb meaning 'to be deadlocked' or 'to remain at an impasse', describing a situation where two or more parties are locked in confrontation, negotiation, or conflict with no movement or resolution. The first character 僵 (jiāng) literally means 'stiff', 'rigid', or 'frozen' — evoking physical immobility — while 持 (chí) means 'to hold', 'to maintain', or 'to sustain'. Together, they convey the idea of maintaining a rigid, unyielding, and motionless state — not in a physical sense, but in a relational or strategic one.

This word is commonly used in contexts like labor disputes, diplomatic standoffs, legal negotiations, or even everyday arguments where neither side backs down. It implies tension, stalemate, and often frustration. Unlike neutral terms like 'pause' or 'delay', 僵持 carries a negative connotation: the situation is undesirable, unsustainable, and usually requires external intervention or compromise to resolve.