Definitions

dān (verb) to carry; to shoulder; to undertake; to take responsibility
dàn (noun) burden; load carried on shoulder pole; responsibility

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound. Simplified form of .

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 担, simplified from its traditional form 擔, etymologically originates from the hand radical (扌) combined with 詹 serving primarily as a phonetic component, initially denoting the physical act of carrying a load with a shoulder pole. Its simplified structure replaces 詹 with 旦 as a phonetic element while keeping the hand radical, maintaining the association with manual action. The meaning broadened from concrete carrying to encompass abstract responsibilities, such as undertaking tasks or bearing duties.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

心你的安全。

Wǒ dānxīn nǐ de ānquán.

I worry about your safety.

妈妈心我生病。

Māmā dānxīn wǒ shēngbìng.

Mom worries that I get sick.

不要心未来。

Bùyào dānxīn wèilái.

Don't worry about the future.

任公司经理。

Tā dānrèn gōngsī jīnglǐ.

He serves as the company manager.

这个子很重。

Zhège dànzi hěn zhòng.

This burden is heavy.

心考试不及格。

Tā dānxīn kǎoshì bù jígé.

She worries about failing the exam.

他勇于承责任。

Tā yǒngyú chéngdān zérèn.

He is brave to take responsibility.

我们必须当起这个责任。

Wǒmen bìxū dāndāng qǐ zhège zérèn.

We must take up this responsibility.