Meaning
to maintain; to keep up; to sustain; to preserve
Nuance & Usage
維持する means to maintain a state, level, or condition over time. 品質を維持する (to maintain quality), 関係を維持する (to sustain a relationship), 現状を維持する (to maintain the status quo), 健康を維持する (to keep one's health) are typical uses. The noun 維持費 (iji-hi — maintenance cost) is common in business and real estate. 維持 implies ongoing, active effort to keep something from deteriorating — it's not passive continuation but deliberate upkeep.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 維持する with 保つ (tamotsu — to keep/maintain, more general and natural in casual speech) or 続ける (tsuzukeru — to continue). 維持する is more formal and specifically about maintaining a standard or condition. 健康を維持する is natural; 健康を続ける is less common. 現状維持 (status quo maintenance) is a very common compound noun. Don't confuse 維持 (iji) with 意志 (ishi — will, intention) — they sound similar.
Example Sentences
毎日の運動で、体の健康を維持しています。
まいにちのうんどうで、からだのけんこうをいじしています。
I maintain my physical health through daily exercise.
会社は高い品質基準を維持するために、定期的な検査を実施している。
かいしゃはたかいひんしつきじゅんをいじするために、ていきてきなけんさをじっしている。
The company conducts regular inspections to maintain high quality standards.
二国間の友好関係を今後も維持していきたいと思います。
にこくかんのゆうこうかんけいをこんごもいじしていきたいとおもいます。
We hope to continue maintaining the friendly relations between the two countries.
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