充当

• Pinyin: chōng dāng
• Hanzi breakdown: 充 = to fill/serve as; 当 = 尚 (still) + 田 (field) simplified = to act as

Meaning

To serve as; to act as; to play the role of.

Used when someone or something temporarily takes on a role or function, often implying the role is not their primary identity. Can have a slightly negative connotation when someone is being used.

Examples

1. 他经常充当朋友之间的调解人。 He often serves as a mediator between friends.
2. 这张桌子太小了，只能充当临时茶几。 This table is too small; it can only serve as a temporary coffee table.
3. 她不愿意充当别人成功的垫脚石。 She refuses to be a stepping stone for others' success.

Usage Guide

Context: roles, work, relationships

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 在这部电影里他充当反派角色。(In this movie, he plays the villain.)
• 会议上他充当翻译。(He served as the interpreter at the meeting.)

Don't Say

• 他充当老师 (If someone IS a teacher, use 担任; 充当 implies temporarily filling a role)

Origin & History

Compound of 充 (to fill/serve as) and 当 (to act as/be). Together they mean taking on a role.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal