担子

• Pinyin: dàn zi
• Hanzi breakdown: 担 = 扌 + 旦 (to shoulder, carry); 子 = noun suffix

Meaning

A shoulder pole with loads; burden; the weight of responsibilities or obligations a person must carry.

Originates from the agricultural image of carrying two baskets on a shoulder pole. Now used figuratively to refer to the weight of responsibilities or obligations a person must bear.

Examples

1. 他挑起了家里的担子，独自供养父母和弟妹。 He took up the burden of the family and supported his parents and younger siblings on his own.
2. 接任这个职位意味着要扛起更沉重的担子。 Taking over this position means shouldering an even heavier burden.
3. 卸下多年的担子，他终于可以安心退休了。 After putting down the burden he had carried for so many years, he could finally retire with peace of mind.

Usage Guide

Context: family, work, responsibility

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 她一个人挑起了照顾三个孩子的担子。(She has single-handedly taken on the burden of raising three children.)
• 这份担子压在他肩上已经很多年了。(This burden has been weighing on his shoulders for many years.)

Don't Say

• 他担子了这份责任 — 担子 is a noun; use 承担 or 担负 as the verb; say 他挑起了这份担子 instead

Origin & History

担 (to carry on a shoulder pole) + 子 (noun suffix indicating a physical object)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal