Meanings of 承
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About 承
Podcast: 承
Podcast: 承
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AI Study Notes for 承
承 (chéng) vs 担 (dān) — use 承 when emphasizing acceptance of responsibility, while 担 focuses more on the burden or weight of that responsibility.
Imagine a strong person (承) carrying a heavy load on their shoulders. The character resembles a person lifting something above their head, suggesting the act of bearing or undertaking a burden. This visualization can help you remember both the meaning and pronunciation (chéng).
Learners often confuse 承 with similar-sounding characters or their meanings, such as '承认' (to admit) and '承接' (to undertake). This character can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's particularly prevalent in formal speech when discussing responsibilities or duties.
Although 承 is not explicitly listed in HSK levels, it relates to other verbs of action and responsibility that learners encounter, such as '承担' (to bear) and '接受' (to accept). Focus on how it interacts with other verbs in compound forms to expand your vocabulary.
In traditional Chinese culture, the notion of承 also emphasizes the importance of responsibility and lineage, particularly in family and ancestral duties. This reflects the Confucian value of filial piety and the importance of carrying on family traditions.
Learners often mistakenly use 承 with a meaning of 'to agree', which is incorrect. For instance, saying '我承一个提议' (I accept a proposal) should be '我同意一个提议'.
Pronunciation of 承
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Etymology of 承
Pictograph of two hands carrying a person.
Three hands 手 lifting a dead body 了
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 承?
Decomposition of 承
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 承?
Write 承
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Practice writing 承 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 承
承 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 14 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
他当着老师的面____认了自己的错误。
He admitted his mistake in front of the teacher.
Common Confusions with 承
Similar pronunciation and writing, but different meanings.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "Cheng (c. 2000 BC), third of the legendary Flame Emperors 炎帝[Yán dì] descended from Shennong 神農"?
Example Sentences for 承 (10)
Cultural Notes for 承
In traditional Chinese culture, the notion of承 also emphasizes the importance of responsibility and lineage, particularly in family and ancestral duties. This reflects the Confucian value of filial piety and the importance of carrying on family traditions.
Word Family of 承
Compound Meaning
What does 承认 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 承
Yes, 承 is frequently used in modern Chinese, both in spoken and written forms. It appears in various contexts, ranging from business to personal discussions, making it an essential character for learners to master.