驮

• Pinyin: tuó
• Hanzi breakdown: 驮 = 马 (horse) + 大 (large) — a horse bearing a large load

Meaning

To carry on one's back (of an animal or person). The act of transporting a burden by carrying it on the back.

Primarily used of animals — horses, donkeys, camels, and mules carrying goods on their backs. Can also describe a person bent under a heavy load or, colloquially, carrying a child on one's back. In historical and rural contexts, 驮运 (transport by pack animal) is common. Less frequently used in modern urban settings.

Examples

1. 骡子驮着沉重的货物翻越山岭，走了整整一天。 The mule, carrying a heavy load, crossed the mountain range — a full day's journey.
2. 父亲驮着生病的孩子走了几十里山路送他去医院。 The father carried his sick child on his back and walked dozens of li along mountain roads to get him to hospital.
3. 在偏远山区，驮马至今仍是重要的运输工具。 In remote mountainous areas, pack horses are still an important means of transport to this day.

Usage Guide

Context: rural, historical, transport

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 驴子驮着粮食，沿着山路缓缓前行。(The donkey slowly made its way along the mountain path, carrying grain on its back.)
• 他背上驮着一个大背包，走起路来有些吃力。(He was carrying a large backpack on his back and found it somewhat hard to walk.)

Don't Say

• 用'驮'描述用手或肩膀一侧扛的动作 (驮 specifically means carrying flat on the back; carrying on the shoulder is 扛, carrying in the hand is 提)

Origin & History

From 马 (horse) radical — originally described a horse carrying loads. The character is specifically designed to depict animal pack-carrying.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Rural/Universal