Definitions

káng (verb) to carry on one's shoulder
gāng (verb) to lift up with both hands; to carry together

Etymology

Labor  done by hand  also provides the pronunciation

About

The character "扛" is structured with a hand radical on the left and the component "工" on the right, linking it to manual action while providing phonetic indication. Its etymology centers on the act of lifting or carrying with the hands or shoulders, as documented in classical texts. Over time, the meaning expanded from purely physical conveyance to include abstract senses like assuming duties or bearing burdens. The composition of the character has consistently featured these components, with the hand radical denoting actions involving the arms and "工" contributing to its sound.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

着沉重的袋子。

Tā kángzhe chénzhòng de dàizi.

He is carrying a heavy bag.

工人们着木材上山。

Gōngrénmen kángzhe mùcái shàng shān.

The workers are carrying timber up the mountain.

为了搬家,他了很多家具。

Wèile bānjiā, tā kángle hěnduō jiājù.

For moving house, he carried a lot of furniture.

他每天都要这些重物。

Tā měitiān dōu yào káng zhèxiē zhòngwù.

He has to carry these heavy objects every day.

起了家庭的责任。

Tā káng qǐle jiātíng de zérèn.

He took on the responsibility of the family.

他虽然累了,但还是着箱子继续走。

Tā suīrán lèile, dàn háishì kángzhe xiāngzi jìxù zǒu.

Although he was tired, he still carried the box and continued walking.

如果没有人帮忙,他就得自己所有东西。

Rúguǒ méiyǒu rén bāngmáng, tā jiù děi zìjǐ káng suǒyǒu dōngxi.

If no one helps, he has to carry all the things by himself.

在困难面前,他毅然起了领导团队的重担。

Zài kùnnan miànqián, tā yìrán káng qǐle lǐngdǎo tuánduì de zhòngdàn.

In the face of difficulties, he resolutely shouldered the heavy burden of leading the team.