担当

擔當

dāndāng

verb HSK 7-9 #13,012

Meanings

1 to take on; to assume (responsibility)
2 to bear; to shoulder

Characters

to carry; to bear

to serve as; to undertake

Both characters convey carrying or taking on a role — used for weighty responsibilities.

Examples

年轻人要有担当精神。

Niánqīngrén yào yǒu dāndāng jīngshén.

Young people should have a sense of responsibility.

他担当了这次活动的总指挥。

Tā dāndāng le zhècì huódòng de zǒngzhǐhuī.

He took on the role of general coordinator for this event.

Tips

usage

担当 can also be used as a noun meaning 'sense of responsibility' or 'guts to take charge.' 有担当 = has backbone/takes responsibility. It's a trait much praised in Chinese leadership culture.

Stroke Order

担 dān

当 dāng