Meanings of 担
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About 担
Podcast: 担
Podcast: 担
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AI Study Notes for 担
担 (dān) vs 承 (chéng) — use 担 when emphasizing the act of undertaking a burden or responsibility, while 承 focuses more on receiving or accepting an obligation.
Learners often confuse 担 with related terms like 承 (chéng), which also conveys taking on responsibility but in a different context. This word is generally used in both formal and informal settings, and common collocations include 担责任 (dān zérèn - to take responsibility) and 担心 (dān xīn - to worry, literally 'to carry a heart').
While 担 is not specifically listed in HSK levels, it is relevant for learners aiming for HSK 5 or higher due to its nuances in responsibility and burden. Focus on its usage in phrases and context to build a solid understanding of when and how to use it.
Learners sometimes mistakenly use 担 in contexts where it implies a lighter burden than intended. For instance, saying '我担这件事' (Wǒ dān zhè jiàn shì) could imply a trivial responsibility instead of a significant one; a better choice might be '我承担这件事' (Wǒ chéngdān zhè jiàn shì) for heavier responsibilities.
Pronunciation of 担
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Etymology of 担
Phonosemantic compound. 扌 represents the meaning and 旦 represents the sound. Simplified form of 擔.
hand
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 担
Phonosemantic compound. 扌 represents the meaning and 旦 represents the sound. Simplified form of 擔.
- 1The meaning half扌 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half旦 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayhand
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 担? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 担
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How to say to undertake in Chinese
“to undertake” in Chinese is担
The character 担 (dān) primarily means 'to undertake' or 'to carry,' often referring to taking on a responsibility or burden. It is commonly used in contexts involving both physical carrying, such as with a carrying pole, and metaphorical responsibilities, such as obligations in work or relationships.
When to use 担
Learners often confuse 担 with related terms like 承 (chéng), which also conveys taking on responsibility but in a different context. This word is generally used in both formal and informal settings, and common collocations include 担责任 (dān zérèn - to take responsibility) and 担心 (dān xīn - to worry, literally 'to carry a heart').
担 or something close to it
担 (dān) vs 承 (chéng) — use 担 when emphasizing the act of undertaking a burden or responsibility, while 承 focuses more on receiving or accepting an obligation.
What learners get wrong
Learners sometimes mistakenly use 担 in contexts where it implies a lighter burden than intended. For instance, saying '我担这件事' (Wǒ dān zhè jiàn shì) could imply a trivial responsibility instead of a significant one; a better choice might be '我承担这件事' (Wǒ chéngdān zhè jiàn shì) for heavier responsibilities.
Write 担
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Practice writing 担 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 担
担 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 9 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The patterns below break down its most common sentence frames, with example sentences and practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) for each one.
This pattern is used to emphasize the action of undertaking or carrying something.
他是担这个责任的。
He is the one who undertakes this responsibility.
Complete the Sentence
你还是别____心了，有什么好害怕的。
Stop worrying — what is there to be afraid of?
Usage Notes for 担
Learners often confuse 担 with characters that have similar sounds or meanings. Pay attention to the context.
我可以担这个任务吗？
Can I take on this task?
Fill in the Blank
我可以____这个任务吗？
Can I take on this task?
Example Sentences for 担 (10)
Cultural Notes for 担
'肩上担子重，心中有责任' translates to 'The burden on the shoulders is heavy, and the heart carries responsibility.' This saying reflects the value placed on taking responsibility in both personal and social contexts.
Word Family of 担
Compound Meaning
What does 担心 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 担
担 is classified as an HSK level 7 character, indicating that it is generally learned by intermediate to advanced learners of Chinese. Mastering such characters can enhance vocabulary and comprehension in more complex texts and conversations.
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