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March 24, 2026
负担(負擔)fùdān(fu4dan1)
负担 (fù dān) refers to a burden or load, both in a physical and metaphorical sense. It is commonly used to describe responsibilities, emotional weight, or financial obligations that one must carry or manage in daily life.
Frequency#3910DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 负担 is often associated with familial obligations, where individuals may feel pressured to support their families financially and emotionally. This reflects broader values around filial piety and social responsibility.
Memory Tip
Imagine a heavy '负' (fù) sign on your back, symbolizing a great '担' (dān) of responsibilities. The character '负' looks like a person bending under the weight, while '担' suggests a burden being carried. Together, they create a vivid image of struggling under life's loads.
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AI Study Notes for 负担
Quick Contrast
责任 (zérèn) — use 负担 (fùdān) when emphasizing the weight or burden of the responsibility, while 责任 (zérèn) focuses more on the obligation aspect.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a heavy '负' (fù) sign on your back, symbolizing a great '担' (dān) of responsibilities. The character '负' looks like a person bending under the weight, while '担' suggests a burden being carried. Together, they create a vivid image of struggling under life's loads.
Usage Notes
Usage of 负担 can often be metaphorical, referring to emotional or psychological burdens rather than just physical ones. Be careful with tone; using the wrong tone can change the meaning significantly. Common collocations include '经济负担' (economic burden) and '心理负担' (psychological burden).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 负担 connects with other concepts related to responsibility and obligation. Students should focus on understanding its usage in various contexts, particularly in discussions about stress, responsibilities, and social issues.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 负担 is often associated with familial obligations, where individuals may feel pressured to support their families financially and emotionally. This reflects broader values around filial piety and social responsibility.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is confusing 负担 with 责任 (zérèn), which means 'responsibility.' For example, saying '我有很多责任' (I have many burdens) instead of '我有很多负担' can lead to misunderstandings, as they convey different nuances.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 负担
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Grammar Patterns of 负担
负担 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 2 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
我不觉得这是____；我觉得它是一种责任。
I wouldn't call it a burden; I call it a responsibility.
Example Sentences for 负担 (8)
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1
我不觉得这是负担；我觉得它是一种责任。
wǒ bù jué dé zhè shì fù dān； ； wǒ jué dé tā shì yī zhǒng zé。
I wouldn't call it a burden; I call it a responsibility.
2
一个收入为34,895美元的人能负担得起这笔贷款。
yī gè shōu rù wéi34,895 34,895 měi yuán de rén néng fù dān dé qǐ zhè bǐ dài。
Someone with an income of $34,895 can afford this loan.
Well, I've kept your obligations down to a minimum.
Cultural Notes for 负担
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 负担 is often associated with familial obligations, where individuals may feel pressured to support their families financially and emotionally. This reflects broader values around filial piety and social responsibility.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, the concept of a 'burden' may emphasize individualism and personal choice, while in Chinese culture, it often involves collective family responsibilities and societal expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions about 负担
Typically, 负担 has a negative connotation, suggesting undue stress or pressure. However, it can be used positively when discussing manageable responsibilities.
Focus on the context; 负担 usually refers to a load or burden that is difficult to bear, while words like 责任 (zérèn) refer more specifically to responsibility.
负担 is commonly used in both spoken and written contexts, especially in discussions about obligations and stress.
