Meanings of 肩负
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Podcast: 肩负
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AI study notes for 肩负
承担 (chéngdān) vs 担负 (dānfù) — use 肩负 when emphasizing the weight of responsibility more than mere acceptance.
In formal contexts, 肩负 is often used to describe responsibilities in work or leadership roles, while in informal contexts, it can refer to personal burdens. Be careful with the tone; the first character (肩) is pronounced with a high level tone, while the second character (负) has a falling tone.
Although 肩负 does not appear in the HSK vocabulary lists, it is relevant for learners at HSK 4 and above, where understanding responsibilities and duties becomes important. Focus on recognizing how this word connects to concepts of responsibility and leadership in other vocabulary.
Learners might confuse 肩负 with 承担 (chéngdān), which also means to bear a burden but is less formal. A common mistake is saying '我肩负了我的工作,' when it should be '我承担了我的工作' for a more casual context.
Pronunciation of 肩负
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Component characters
How to say to shoulder (a burden) in Chinese
“to shoulder (a burden)” in Chinese is肩负
肩负 (jiān fù) means to take on a responsibility or burden, often used in contexts where someone is tasked with an important duty or obligation. It conveys a sense of seriousness and commitment, indicating that the person is willing to bear the weight of expectations or challenges.
When to use 肩负
In formal contexts, 肩负 is often used to describe responsibilities in work or leadership roles, while in informal contexts, it can refer to personal burdens. Be careful with the tone; the first character (肩) is pronounced with a high level tone, while the second character (负) has a falling tone.
肩负 or something close to it
承担 (chéngdān) vs 担负 (dānfù) — use 肩负 when emphasizing the weight of responsibility more than mere acceptance.
What learners get wrong
Learners might confuse 肩负 with 承担 (chéngdān), which also means to bear a burden but is less formal. A common mistake is saying '我肩负了我的工作,' when it should be '我承担了我的工作' for a more casual context.
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Frequently asked questions about 肩负
You can say, '他肩负着公司的未来,' which means 'He shoulders the future of the company.'
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