Definitions
(noun)
shoulder
(verb)
to shoulder (responsibilities)
Etymology
Originally a pictograph of a shoulder. Later the ⺼ (flesh) component was added.
About
The character "肩" originally depicted a pictograph of the shoulder, with the earliest forms illustrating the curve of the shoulder and collarbone. Its traditional and current form is structured with the component "户" at the top, which can represent a door but here likely suggests the outline of the shoulder's contour, combined with the component "月" below, the flesh radical that classifies the character's meaning as related to the body. Etymologically, its primary meaning has consistently referred to the shoulder, the joint connecting the arm to the torso. From this concrete physical meaning, the character developed the extended verbal sense of undertaking or bearing a burden or responsibility, a logical metaphorical shift based on the function of the shoulder.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我的肩膀很疼。
他拍了拍我的肩膀。
我需要按摩一下肩膀。
他肩负重要责任。
她的肩膀因为工作而酸痛。
尽管肩膀受伤，他仍然完成了任务。
在团队中，每个人都应该肩负起自己的职责。
通过长期的肩并肩合作，他们建立了深厚的友谊。