扛

• Pinyin: káng
• Hanzi breakdown: 扛 = 扌(hand) + 工 (work, phonetic) — to carry on shoulder

Meaning

To carry on the shoulder; to shoulder a burden or responsibility.

Physically, to carry something heavy on the shoulder (like a bag of rice). Figuratively, to bear responsibility or withstand pressure. Very colloquial and vivid. Collocates with 责任 (responsibility), 压力 (pressure), 不住 (can't bear).

Examples

1. 他一个人扛着全家的经济压力，从不抱怨。 He shoulders the entire family's financial pressure alone without ever complaining.
2. 这件事你扛不住就说一声，别硬撑着。 If you can't handle this, just say so — don't force yourself.
3. 搬家那天，他扛着一袋大米爬了六层楼。 On moving day, he carried a bag of rice on his shoulder up six flights of stairs.

Usage Guide

Context: work, responsibility, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这活儿我扛了。(I'll take on this task.)
• 他扛得住压力。(He can handle the pressure.)

Don't Say

• 我扛着书包去上学。(For a backpack, use 背; 扛 is for heavy items carried on the shoulder, not backpacks worn normally)

Origin & History

Pictophonetic: 扌(hand radical) + 工 (work, phonetic). Originally meant to lift with hands, now specifically to carry on the shoulder.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal