担忧

• Pinyin: dān yōu
• Hanzi breakdown: 担 = 扌(hand) + 旦 (dawn); 忧 = 忄(heart) + 尤 (especially)

Meaning

To worry; to be anxious about. Feeling concerned about potential problems.

Expresses concern or anxiety about something that may happen. More formal than 担心 and often used in written language or serious discussions. Implies thoughtful concern rather than momentary worry.

Examples

1. 父母总是担忧孩子的未来，希望他们过得好。 Parents always worry about their children's future, hoping they'll be okay.
2. 专家对气候变化表示担忧，呼吁各国采取行动。 Experts have expressed concern about climate change and called for nations to take action.
3. 她对公司的财务状况深感担忧。 She is deeply worried about the company's financial situation.

Usage Guide

Context: concern, serious

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 我很担忧他的健康。(I'm very worried about his health.)
• 令人担忧的经济形势。(A worrying economic situation.)

Don't Say

• 担忧比担心更正式，日常口语中'担心'更自然 (担忧 is more formal than 担心 — in everyday speech, 担心 is more natural)

Origin & History

Combines 担 (to carry/bear) with 忧 (worry/grief), suggesting carrying the burden of worry.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal