维持 (wéi chí) is a verb meaning 'to maintain' or 'to sustain'—often referring to keeping something in its current state, especially over time. The character 维 (wéi) originally meant 'to tie up' or 'to hold together', and 持 (chí) means 'to hold' or 'to grasp'. Together, they evoke the idea of actively holding something steady, preventing decline or disruption. It’s commonly used with abstract nouns like order, peace, health, relationships, or systems.

This word appears frequently in formal, written, and professional contexts—such as news reports, medical advice, policy documents, and workplace communication. It implies conscious, ongoing effort rather than passive continuity. For example, you might 'maintain health' through diet and exercise, or 'sustain peace' through diplomacy. Unlike the more casual 保持 (bǎochí), 维持 often carries a sense of necessity, responsibility, or structural support—especially when referring to essential conditions or functions.