Understanding "承受" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 承受
• Pinyin: chéngshòu
• Literal Meaning: “to receive and bear”
• Primary Meaning: to bear, endure, withstand, or accept something difficult, heavy, or stressful

2. In-depth Explanation

• Context and Usage:
  承受 is used when someone or something has to “carry” pressure, pain, responsibility, consequences, or emotional burden. It often describes enduring something unpleasant or difficult, such as stress, loss, criticism, financial pressure, or physical weight.

In English, 承受 can often be translated as “to bear,” “to endure,” “to withstand,” or “to take on,” depending on the context.

Common objects used with 承受 include:
- 压力 — pressure
- 痛苦 — pain/suffering
- 责任 — responsibility
- 后果 — consequences
- 打击 — a blow/shock
- 重量 — weight

承受 is slightly formal and is often used in written or serious spoken contexts. It focuses on the ability or process of bearing something heavy, whether physically, emotionally, or mentally.

• Character Breakdown:
• 承: to receive, to undertake, to carry on
• 受: to receive, to suffer, to accept

Together, 承受 suggests “receiving something and bearing it,” especially when that thing is difficult, heavy, or painful.

3. Example Sentences

• Chinese: 他承受了很大的压力。
• Pinyin: Tā chéngshòu le hěn dà de yālì.

• English: He endured a lot of pressure.

• Chinese: 这个桥可以承受很重的车辆。

• Pinyin: Zhège qiáo kěyǐ chéngshòu hěn zhòng de chēliàng.

• English: This bridge can withstand very heavy vehicles.

• Chinese: 她无法承受失去亲人的痛苦。

• Pinyin: Tā wúfǎ chéngshòu shīqù qīnrén de tòngkǔ.
• English: She cannot bear the pain of losing a loved one.

Cultural Notes (if applicable)

In Chinese, 承受 is often used in discussions about emotional strength, responsibility, and resilience. For example, people may say someone 承受压力, meaning they are bearing pressure from work, family, school, or society.

The word can reflect an important cultural value: the ability to endure hardship without giving up. In many Chinese-speaking contexts, quietly bearing responsibilities or difficulties may be seen as a sign of maturity, strength, or perseverance.

Conclusion

承受 means “to bear,” “to endure,” or “to withstand.” It is used when someone or something carries a heavy burden, whether physical, emotional, or psychological. To remember it, think of 承 as “receiving or taking on” and 受 as “experiencing or suffering,” together meaning “to take on and bear something difficult.”