担当

当 as a verb can mean 'to undertake' or 'to serve as', but it's often more general. 担当 is a more specific compound emphasizing the 'bearing' aspect.

负 means 'to bear' or 'to carry'. It's often used in compounds like 负责 or 负担 (burden), but 担当 implies a more active and often courageous assumption of responsibility.

接 means 'to receive' or 'to connect'. While one 'receives' a task, 担当 is about actively taking it on and bearing its weight.

Both 担当 and 承担 mean 'to bear' or 'to undertake' responsibility.

承担 is a more formal and general term for bearing responsibility or a burden. 担当 often implies a proactive and courageous willingness to take on a significant role or responsibility, especially a difficult one, often with a sense of moral obligation or duty. It carries a stronger nuance of 'taking initiative' or 'being brave enough to take on something'.

他决定 承担 所有的费用。 (He decided to bear all the expenses.) / 这项任务由他 担当。 (This task will be undertaken by him.)

Both involve responsibility.

负责 means 'to be responsible for' or 'to be in charge of'. It describes the state of having responsibility or the role of being accountable. 担当, on the other hand, describes the action of taking on or bearing that responsibility.

他 负责 这个项目。 (He is responsible for this project.) / 谁来 担当 这个项目的领导？ (Who will take on the leadership of this project?)

Both relate to taking on a role.

担任 means 'to hold a post' or 'to serve as'. It describes the act of officially taking on a position or role. While 担当 can also involve a role, it emphasizes the burden or responsibility associated with that role, or the courage to take it on, rather than just the act of holding the position.

她 担任 经理一职。 (She holds the position of manager.) / 谁能 担当 起这个重任？ (Who can take on this heavy responsibility?)

One might think 'accepting' a responsibility is similar to 'bearing' it.

接受 means 'to accept' or 'to receive'. It is a broader term for taking something offered. 担当 specifically refers to taking on or bearing a responsibility or burden, implying a more active and often challenging commitment.

我 接受 了他的建议。 (I accepted his suggestion.) / 他 担当 起教育孩子的重任。 (He bore the heavy responsibility of educating the children.)

Both involve fulfilling duties.

履行 means 'to perform' or 'to fulfill' (a duty, contract, etc.). It focuses on the act of carrying out an obligation. 担当 emphasizes the initial act of taking on the responsibility or the willingness to bear it, rather than the ongoing process of fulfilling it.

他 履行了自己的诺言。 (He fulfilled his promise.) / 作为一个领导，他必须 担当 起决策的重担。 (As a leader, he must bear the heavy burden of decision-making.)