承受

§ What Does “承受” Mean?

“承受” (chéngshòu) is a really useful verb in Chinese. At its core, it means to bear, to endure, or to withstand. Think of it as handling something difficult, whether that's a physical burden, emotional stress, or even a responsibility.

It's not just about passively taking something; it often implies a degree of resilience or the ability to cope with a challenge. You'll hear this word quite a lot in daily conversations, news, and even formal writing, so mastering it will significantly boost your understanding of spoken and written Chinese.

Let's break down its common uses. Generally, you use “承受” when someone or something has to take on a load, a pressure, or a consequence. This load can be abstract, like a feeling or a duty, or more concrete, like a physical impact.

§ Common Scenarios for “承受”

Here are the main situations where “承受” is used:

• Bearing pressure or stress: This is one of the most common applications. When someone is under a lot of pressure, either from work, family, or personal issues, you can say they are “承受” pressure.
• Enduring pain or suffering: If someone is going through a tough time, physically or emotionally, “承受” is the right word to describe their endurance.
• Withstanding impact or damage: For objects or structures, “承受” can refer to their ability to withstand physical forces like an earthquake, a strong wind, or heavy weight.
• Taking responsibility or consequences: When someone has to face the results of their actions or take on a duty, “承受” is used.

DEFINITION

To bear; to endure; to withstand.

§ Examples in Action

Let's look at some practical examples to see how “承受” works in sentences. Pay attention to the context to grasp the nuance.

Translation Hint: He cannot bear/withstand such great pressure.

Here, “承受” is used for enduring psychological pressure. It highlights a limit to what he can handle.

Translation Hint: This building can withstand an 8-magnitude earthquake.

In this case, “承受” refers to the physical resilience of a structure against a natural disaster.

Translation Hint: We must bear/take on our own responsibilities.

Here, “承受” means accepting and carrying out a duty or obligation.

Translation Hint: She needs to endure/receive public criticism.

This example shows “承受” used for facing negative feedback or judgment.

Understanding these different contexts will help you use “承受” accurately and naturally. It's a versatile word that conveys a lot about resilience and coping. Practice using it in your own sentences, and you'll soon find it becoming a natural part of your Chinese vocabulary!

§ Understanding 承受

The Chinese word 承受 (chéngshòu) is a verb. It means to bear, to endure, or to withstand. Think of it as handling something, usually something difficult or heavy, whether physically or emotionally. It's a common word you'll hear and use a lot in everyday Chinese conversations.

Common Usage

承受 is often used to describe bearing pressure, responsibility, pain, or consequences. It implies a certain level of difficulty or challenge that needs to be faced.

§ 承受 + Noun

The most straightforward way to use 承受 is to follow it directly with a noun. This noun will be the thing that is being borne, endured, or withstood.

Translation hint: He bore enormous pressure.

Translation hint: We must bear the consequences.

Translation hint: This old house can no longer withstand the wind and rain.

§ Using 承受 with Ability or Inability

You'll often see 承受 combined with verbs or phrases indicating ability or inability. This is crucial for expressing whether someone or something can handle a situation.

• 承受得了 (chéngshòu de liǎo): Can bear/endure/withstand. This implies ability.
• 承受不了 (chéngshòu bù liǎo): Cannot bear/endure/withstand. This implies inability.
• 承受得住 (chéngshòu de zhù): Can bear/endure/withstand (often emphasizing stability or firmness).
• 承受不住 (chéngshòu bù zhù): Cannot bear/endure/withstand (often implying a collapse or breaking point).

Translation hint: His body is too weak; he cannot bear such a blow.

Translation hint: Do you think he can withstand all this pressure?

Translation hint: I can no longer endure this kind of pain.

§ 承受 as an Action

Sometimes 承受 describes the act of receiving or experiencing something, without necessarily focusing on the difficulty, but rather the reception itself.

Translation hint: He bravely bore all the accusations.

Grammar Note

承受 is a transitive verb, meaning it takes a direct object. The thing being borne or endured directly follows it. There are no special prepositions typically used directly with 承受 in the sense of 'bearing something.'

Mastering 承受 means understanding that it's about facing and handling challenging situations or responsibilities. Pay attention to what follows 承受 in a sentence, as that will tell you what is being borne or endured. Practice using it with different nouns and in combination with 'ability' expressions to sound natural.

Alright, let's talk about the word 承受 (chéngshòu). This isn't just a word you'll see in textbooks; it's a very common and practical verb in everyday Chinese, especially when people are talking about challenges, responsibilities, or even just feelings. It means 'to bear,' 'to endure,' or 'to withstand.' Think about situations where you have to take on something heavy, literally or figuratively. That's where 承受 comes in handy.

§ 承受 at Work

In a work setting, you'll hear 承受 a lot when discussing pressure, responsibilities, or the impact of decisions. If a boss is talking about a tough project, or a colleague is feeling stressed, this word will definitely come up.

Translation Hint

He bears a lot of work pressure.

Translation Hint

The company cannot withstand this loss.

§ 承受 in School

Students often talk about the pressure of exams, homework, or expectations. 承受 is the perfect verb for these situations. You might hear it from classmates, teachers, or even in school announcements.

Translation Hint

Students have to bear a lot of study pressure.

Translation Hint

He finds it hard to endure the blow of failure.

§ 承受 in the News

When you're reading or watching Chinese news, especially reports on social issues, economics, or natural disasters, 承受 will frequently appear. It’s used to describe how people, systems, or structures deal with difficult situations.

Translation Hint

These areas are withstanding the test of drought.

Translation Hint

Ordinary citizens will endure higher prices.

§ Key takeaways for 承受

• It's almost always about something difficult or challenging.
• It can be about physical things (like weight) or abstract things (like pressure or emotions).
• It's a formal and respectful way to talk about enduring hardship.

So, when you hear someone talking about difficulties, burdens, or resilience, keep an ear out for 承受. It's a powerful word that helps express the weight of a situation.

§ Confusing 承受 with other words

Many learners incorrectly use 承受 when other verbs like 忍受 (rěnshòu) or 遭受 (zāoshòu) would be more appropriate. While all three relate to experiencing something difficult, their nuances differ significantly.

忍受 (rěnshòu)

To bear; to endure; to tolerate. This emphasizes a conscious effort to put up with something unpleasant, often with a sense of patience or restraint.

遭受 (zāoshòu)

To suffer; to be subjected to. This often implies experiencing misfortune, damage, or attack, and highlights the negative impact of the experience.

While 承受 can also involve difficult situations, it usually implies the capacity or ability to take on a burden, responsibility, or impact. It's about 'taking on' rather than just 'putting up with' or 'suffering from'.

§ Using 承受 with abstract nouns only

承受 is most commonly used with abstract nouns or concepts that represent burdens, pressure, or consequences. It's less often used with concrete objects or physical pain in the same way 忍受 might be.

Correct uses of 承受:

• 承受压力 (chéngshòu yālì) - to bear pressure
• 承受后果 (chéngshòu hòuguǒ) - to bear consequences
• 承受责任 (chéngshòu zérèn) - to bear responsibility
• 承受损失 (chéngshòu sǔnshī) - to bear losses (often financial or abstract)

Incorrect use example:

❌ 承受疼痛 (chéngshòu téngtòng) - This isn't strictly wrong, but 忍受疼痛 (rěnshòu téngtòng - to endure pain) or 感到疼痛 (gǎndào téngtòng - to feel pain) would be far more natural and common.

§ Omitting the object

承受 is a transitive verb, meaning it generally requires an object. You need to specify what is being borne or endured.

For example, you wouldn't just say:

❌ 我不能承受。(Wǒ bù néng chéngshòu.) - I can't bear. (This sounds incomplete)

Instead, you should specify what cannot be borne:

Always make sure to include the noun or noun phrase that 承受 is acting upon.

§ Similar words and when to use "承受" vs. alternatives

When you learn a new Chinese word, it's really helpful to also understand words that are similar to it. This helps you choose the right word in different situations. Let's look at how "承受" compares to some other words you might encounter.

DEFINITION

To bear; to endure; to withstand.

§ "承受" vs. "忍受" (rěnshòu)

• 承受 (chéngshòu): This word emphasizes taking on or sustaining a burden, pressure, or consequence. It often implies a more passive acceptance or the capacity to handle something. It's about what you *can* bear.
• 忍受 (rěnshòu): This word focuses more on tolerating or enduring something unpleasant, often with a sense of internal struggle or patience. It's about what you *force yourself* to bear.

Think of it this way: if you can't *承受* the weight, it's too heavy for you. If you have to *忍受* the pain, it means you're putting up with it even though it's bad.

§ "承受" vs. "担当" (dāndāng)

• 承受 (chéngshòu): Again, this is about bearing a load, impact, or responsibility. It can be physical or abstract.
• 担当 (dāndāng): This word means to undertake, to assume, or to take responsibility for something. It carries a stronger sense of active responsibility and courage. It's about actively taking on a role or duty.

If you are the one who has to *承受* the consequences, it means you're the one who experiences them. If you *担当* a responsibility, you are actively stepping up to manage it.

§ "承受" vs. "经受" (jīngshòu)

• 承受 (chéngshòu): Deals with bearing or sustaining pressure, weight, or consequences.
• 经受 (jīngshòu): This also means to undergo or to experience (especially hardships or trials). It emphasizes the process of going through something difficult. It often implies a duration of experience.

While both can describe facing difficulties, *经受* highlights the experience itself, often over time, while *承受* focuses on the capacity to bear the burden at a given moment.

§ When to use "承受"

You should use "承受" when you want to express the idea of:

• Bearing a physical or emotional weight or pressure.
• Sustaining an impact or a consequence.
• Having the capacity to endure something.
• Receiving something (like praise or criticism) that implies a burden or responsibility.

It's often used in more formal or serious contexts. For example, when talking about a building's load-bearing capacity, a person's ability to handle stress, or the consequences of an action.

Keep practicing these words, and you'll soon get a feel for when to use each one correctly. Good job making it this far!