Understanding "负责" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 负责
• Pinyin: fù zé
• Literal Meaning: "负" means "to bear" or "to carry," and "责" means "responsibility" or "duty." Together, they literally mean "to bear responsibility."
• Primary Meaning: To be responsible for; to take charge of; to be in charge of.

2. In-depth Explanation

• Context and Usage:
  "负责" is a versatile word used to describe taking responsibility for tasks, people, or situations. It can function as a verb (e.g., "to be responsible for") or an adjective (e.g., "responsible"). It often appears in professional, academic, and daily life contexts to indicate accountability. For example, a manager might "负责" a project, or a teacher might "负责" a class.

• Character Breakdown:

• 负 (fù): Means "to bear," "to carry," or "to shoulder."
• 责 (zé): Means "responsibility," "duty," or "blame."
  Together, they emphasize the idea of taking on or handling duties.

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 他负责这个项目。
   Pinyin: Tā fùzé zhège xiàngmù.
   English: He is responsible for this project.

2. Chinese: 这位老师负责教我们中文。
   Pinyin: Zhè wèi lǎoshī fùzé jiāo wǒmen Zhōngwén.
   English: This teacher is in charge of teaching us Chinese.

3. Chinese: 你要对自己的行为负责。
   Pinyin: Nǐ yào duì zìjǐ de xíngwéi fùzé.
   English: You need to take responsibility for your actions.

Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, being "负责" is highly valued, especially in professional and familial settings. It reflects reliability, trustworthiness, and a strong sense of duty. Employers and leaders often prioritize hiring or promoting individuals who demonstrate this quality. Additionally, in personal relationships, taking responsibility is seen as a sign of maturity and integrity.

Conclusion

"负责" (fù zé) is a fundamental word in Chinese that encapsulates the idea of responsibility and accountability. Whether in work, study, or daily life, understanding and using this word correctly will help you communicate effectively and convey a sense of dependability. Remember: "负" means "to bear," and "责" means "duty"—together, they form a concept central to Chinese social and professional interactions.