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March 24, 2026
担任(擔任)dānrèn(dan1ren4)
The verb 担任 (dānrèn) means to hold a position or office, particularly in a formal or governmental context. It is commonly used to describe someone's role or responsibilities within an organization, such as serving as a manager, president, or other official capacities.
Frequency#5992DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, holding a government office is often seen as a position of respect and responsibility, reflecting the Confucian values of duty and service. The concept of serving the community is deeply rooted in Chinese history.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person holding a large burden (担) on their shoulders, which represents their responsibility in a position (任). The word sounds like 'dan' (担) for burden and 'ren' (任) for the role they play.
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AI Study Notes for 担任
Quick Contrast
代理 (dàilǐ) - use 担任 when referring to officially holding a position, while 代理 implies acting on behalf of someone else in that role.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person holding a large burden (担) on their shoulders, which represents their responsibility in a position (任). The word sounds like 'dan' (担) for burden and 'ren' (任) for the role they play.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 担任 with similar words like 担负 (dānfù), which means to bear a burden rather than to hold a position. It is generally used in formal contexts, so be cautious when using it in casual conversations. Common collocations include 担任职务 (dānrèn zhíwù), meaning to hold an office.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 担任 connects with other words related to positions and roles, such as 职务 (zhíwù - position) and 负责 (fùzé - to be responsible for). Focus on practicing its use in sentences that describe job roles.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, holding a government office is often seen as a position of respect and responsibility, reflecting the Confucian values of duty and service. The concept of serving the community is deeply rooted in Chinese history.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes incorrectly use 担任 to describe informal roles, such as '担任学生' (dānrèn xuéshēng - to hold the position of a student). The correct phrasing would be to simply say '我是学生' (wǒ shì xuéshēng - I am a student).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 担任
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Grammar Patterns of 担任
担任 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Since 1928, Major Thomas has served the club in many capacities.
Cultural Notes for 担任
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, holding a government office is often seen as a position of respect and responsibility, reflecting the Confucian values of duty and service. The concept of serving the community is deeply rooted in Chinese history.
Frequently Asked Questions about 担任
No, 担任 is typically reserved for formal roles and positions, especially in government or business contexts.
Not exactly. 担任 refers specifically to holding a position, while 负责 means to be responsible for a task or duty.
担任 refers to holding a position, whereas 担负 means to bear a burden or responsibility.
