扛不住

• Pinyin: káng bù zhù
• Hanzi breakdown: 扛 (carry on the shoulder) + 不住 (cannot hold) -> cannot bear the load.

Meaning

扛不住 means being unable to hold up under pressure, workload, pain, or emotion.

It suggests the burden is too heavy to continue bearing. It can be physical, emotional, or practical, and is common in work and study complaints.

Examples

1. 连续熬夜三天，他真的扛不住。 After three straight nights of staying up late, he really couldn't cope.
2. 房租又涨，钱包快扛不住了。 Rent has gone up again, and my wallet is almost at breaking point.
3. 别把轻微累说成扛不住。 Don't describe being a bit tired as 扛不住.

Usage Guide

Context: workload, money pressure, health fatigue

Tone: strained, exhausted, honest

Do Say

• 身体或压力到极限可说扛不住。（It fits reaching a limit.）
• 预算压力太大也可说钱包扛不住。（It can be metaphorical.）

Don't Say

• 一点小累就反复说扛不住。（It implies a real limit.）

Common Mistakes

• Do not use 扛不住 for mild dislike; it means unable to bear.

Origin & History

From 扛, to shoulder or carry a heavy load, extended to enduring pressure.

Cultural Context

Era: 2020s

Generation: Broad casual speakers

Social background: Students, workers, and families

Regional notes: Common across Mainland China.