Meaning
负担 refers to a burden or heavy responsibility, whether financial, physical, or emotional. As a noun, it describes something that weighs heavily on someone; as a verb, it means to bear or take on such a burden. It's commonly used to discuss financial obligations, work responsibilities, or psychological pressure.
Usage
负担 often appears in discussions about money, family responsibilities, and stress. It carries a somewhat formal tone. Common patterns include '负担重/轻' (heavy/light burden), '减轻负担' (to lighten the burden), and '负担不起' (cannot afford). Native speakers frequently use it when talking about supporting family members or managing expenses.
Examples
- 01养三个孩子对他来说是很大的经济负担。.Raising three children is a great financial burden for him.
- 02这项政策可以减轻农民的负担。.This policy can lighten the burden on farmers.
Characters
Common collocations
- 经济负担financial burden
- 家庭负担family burden
- 减轻负担to reduce the burden
- 负担不起cannot afford
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters relate to carrying weight. 负 originally depicted a person bending under a load, while 担 shows carrying something on a shoulder pole. Together they emphasize the physical and metaphorical weight of responsibilities.