承受

• Pinyin: chéng shòu
• Hanzi breakdown: 承 = originally hands receiving, meaning to bear; 受 = 爫 (claw) + 冖 + 又 (hand), meaning to receive or endure

Meaning

To bear; to endure; to withstand. The ability to tolerate pressure, pain, or hardship.

Focuses on the capacity to endure stress, hardship, or emotional pain. Often used with 压力 (pressure), 痛苦 (pain or suffering), and 打击 (blow or setback). Emphasizes the limit of what one can handle, often implying that the burden is significant.

Examples

1. 他承受了很大的工作压力。 He has been bearing a lot of work pressure.
2. 失去亲人的痛苦让她难以承受。 The pain of losing a family member was hard for her to bear.
3. 这座桥能承受多少重量？ How much weight can this bridge withstand?

Usage Guide

Context: emotional, physical, everyday

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 每个人承受压力的能力不一样。(Everyone's ability to bear pressure is different.)
• 这件事让他承受了很大的痛苦。(This matter caused him to endure great pain.)

Don't Say

• 我承受不了这么好吃的蛋糕 (Don't use 承受 for positive things you enjoy — it implies enduring something difficult or painful)

Origin & History

承 means to receive or bear; 受 means to receive or endure. Together they emphasize enduring something received — especially hardship.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal