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B1 noun, verb #2,500 most common 8 min read

負担

futan Top 2,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 負担 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 負担 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you might not use 'futan' often, but you will hear it in simple contexts like paying for things. Think of it as 'who pays?' or 'is it heavy?' It is a more grown-up way to talk about things being difficult or expensive. You might hear it in phrases like 'Watashi ga futan shimasu' (I will pay/take care of it).

At the A2 level, you start to see 'futan' in health and money contexts. You might learn that 'futan' is used for physical strain, like 'futan ga kakaru' (it puts a strain on). You also see it in shopping, especially regarding shipping fees (souryou) or taxes. It's a useful word for basic business transactions and explaining why something is hard to do.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'futan' to describe responsibilities and mental stress. You understand the difference between 'futan' (the weight of a task) and 'sekinin' (the duty itself). You can use it in sentences like 'The workload is a burden' or 'The cost is too much of a burden for me.' You also start seeing it in compound words like 'futan-gaku' (amount to be borne).

At the B2 level, you can use 'futan' in professional and academic contexts. You understand nuanced verbs like 'shiiru' (to force a burden) and 'keigen' (to reduce a burden). You can discuss societal issues, such as the 'burden on the environment' or the 'tax burden on the middle class.' You are comfortable using it as both a noun and a verb in complex sentences.

At the C1 level, you use 'futan' to discuss abstract and systemic concepts. You might analyze the 'intergenerational burden' in social security or the 'burden of proof' in a legal context (though 'risshou sekinin' is more common, 'futan' is used for the weight of it). You understand the cultural weight of 'futan' in Japanese social contracts and can use it to negotiate complex agreements.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly grasp of 'futan.' you can use it in high-level literary or philosophical discussions about the 'human burden.' You can use it fluently in specialized fields like economics, medicine, or engineering, switching between its literal and metaphorical meanings without effort. You understand the historical evolution of the term and its use in formal government white papers.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

負担 in 30 Seconds

Futan means 'burden' or 'load' (physical, financial, or mental).
It is used as a noun or a Suru-verb (負担する).
Common in business for costs and healthcare for physical strain.
Pair with 'kakaru' for strain and 'shimasu' for bearing costs.

The Japanese word 負担 (ふたん - futan) is a versatile and essential term that translates to 'burden,' 'load,' 'responsibility,' or 'bearing the cost.' It is composed of two kanji characters: 負 (fu), meaning to bear, owe, or carry on one's back, and 担 (tan), meaning to shoulder or undertake. Together, they create a concept that spans physical, financial, and psychological dimensions. In Japanese society, where harmony and mutual support are highly valued, understanding who carries the 'burden' in any given situation is crucial for polite and effective communication.

Physical Load: In a literal sense, futan refers to physical strain or weight. For instance, a doctor might tell a patient that a certain exercise puts too much futan on their knees. It describes the mechanical stress placed on an object or a biological system.
Financial Responsibility: This is perhaps the most common usage in business and daily life. It refers to who pays for something. If a company covers your travel expenses, they 'futan' the costs. It isn't just about the act of paying, but the obligation to provide the funds.
Mental and Emotional Weight: Psychologically, it represents the pressure of responsibility. Having to look after a sick relative or managing a massive project alone creates a significant mental futan. It is the feeling of being weighed down by duties.

送料は弊社が負担いたします。(Souryou wa heisha ga futan itashimasu.)
Our company will bear the shipping costs.

You will encounter this word in news reports discussing the 'tax burden' (税負担 - zeifutan) on citizens, in medical contexts regarding 'physical strain' (身体的負担 - shintaiteki futan), and in interpersonal relationships when someone feels they are being a 'nuisance' or 'burden' to others. It is a formal word but is used daily because it precisely defines the distribution of effort or cost. Unlike the English word 'burden,' which often has a purely negative connotation, futan can be a neutral administrative term used to clarify logistics.

足に大きな負担がかかる。(Ashi ni ookina futan ga kakaru.)
A great burden is placed on the legs.

The word also appears frequently in discussions about Japan's aging society. The 'social security burden' (社会保障の負担) on the younger generation is a constant topic of debate. In this context, it takes on a heavy, societal meaning. When you use the verb form 負担する, you are actively taking on that load. When you use the noun with かかる (to be placed upon), you are describing the state of being burdened.

Using 負担 correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility as both a noun and a Suru-verb. It often pairs with specific particles and verbs to indicate the direction of the burden. Whether you are talking about money, work, or physical health, the structure remains relatively consistent.

Using 負担 as a Verb (負担する): When you use it as a verb, it usually takes the particle を for the object (the cost or responsibility) and が for the subject (the person or entity bearing it). Example: 'Watashi ga hiyou o futan shimasu' (I will bear the costs).
The Passive Burden (負担がかかる): When the burden is placed on something, we use the particle に for the target and the verb かかる. Example: 'Me ni futan ga kakaru' (It puts a strain on the eyes). This is common for health and technical contexts.

家事の負担を減らしたい。(Kaji no futan o herashitai.)
I want to reduce the burden of housework.

Another common pattern is 負担を強いる (futan o shiiru), which means 'to force a burden on someone.' This is often used in political or organizational critiques where a leader forces the staff to work overtime or the government forces higher taxes on the poor. Conversely, 負担を軽減する (futan o keigen suru) means to alleviate or reduce a burden, a phrase frequently seen in government policies or marketing for labor-saving devices.

一人で負担しすぎないでください。(Hitori de futan shisuginaide kudasai.)
Please don't take on too much of the burden by yourself.

In a work context, you might hear 'Workload' referred to as 仕事の負担. If you feel overwhelmed, you might say 'Futan ga ookii' (The burden is large). If you are dividing a bill at a restaurant, though you usually use 'warikan,' in a more formal business dinner setting, you might discuss who will futan the bill. It is a word that provides clarity in the often ambiguous world of Japanese social obligations.

You will encounter 負担 in a variety of settings, ranging from the sterile environment of a hospital to the high-pressure atmosphere of a corporate boardroom. Understanding these contexts helps you grasp the weight the word carries in each situation.

In the Workplace: Managers use it to discuss resource allocation. You might hear, 'Who will bear the responsibility for this project?' (Kono purojekuto no futan wa dare ga shimasu ka?). It is also used regarding labor: 'Overtime is a burden on employees' (Zangyou wa jugyoin no futan ni naru).
In Healthcare: Doctors and physical therapists use it constantly. They might talk about 'futan' on the heart, joints, or mental health. 'To reduce the burden on the body' (Karada e no futan o osaeru) is a common piece of medical advice.
In Government and News: News anchors frequently discuss 'Taxpayer burden' (Nozeisha no futan). When the sales tax increases, the news will report on the 'increased burden on households' (Kakei e no futan zou).

自己負担額はいくらですか？(Jiko futangaku wa ikura desu ka?)
How much is the out-of-pocket expense (self-burden amount)?

In social situations, the concept of 'futan' is tied to the fear of being a 'meiwaku' (nuisance). If a friend offers to drive you home from far away, you might say, 'It would be too much of a burden for you' (Futan ni natchau kara ii yo). This shows you are considering their time and effort. In this way, the word is deeply connected to Japanese social etiquette and the 'give-and-take' of relationships.

若者の負担が増えている。(Wakamono no futan ga fuete iru.)
The burden on young people is increasing.

While 負担 is a common word, learners often confuse it with other similar terms or use the wrong particles. Because it covers such a broad range of 'burdens,' it is easy to misapply it in contexts where a more specific word is required.

Confusing 負担 with 責任 (Sekinin): 'Sekinin' means 'responsibility' in a moral or legal sense (e.g., 'It's my responsibility to finish the report'). 'Futan' is the *weight* of that responsibility. You have the 'sekinin' (duty), and that duty is a 'futan' (burden) on you. You don't 'futan' a mistake; you take 'sekinin' for it.
Confusing 負担 with 負荷 (Fuka): 'Fuka' is a technical term for 'load' or 'stress' (like CPU load or weightlifting stress). While 'futan' can be used for physical strain, 'fuka' is more scientific. If you are talking about psychological stress, 'futan' or 'sutoresu' is better.

× 責任を負担する (Sekinin o futan suru)
○ 費用を負担する (Hiyou o futan suru)

Another mistake is using 負担 for simple physical weight. If a bag is heavy, you say 'omoi' (heavy). You only use 'futan' if that weight is causing a strain or is a problem for someone to carry. For example, 'That bag is a burden for the child' (Sono kaban wa kodomo ni totte futan da).

心理的な負担が大きい。(Shinriteki na futan ga ookii.)
The psychological burden is large.

Finally, remember the particle usage. People often say 'Futan o suru' for physical strain, but it should be 'Futan ga kakaru.' You 'suru' (do/bear) the cost or responsibility, but the strain 'kakaru' (hangs/is placed) on your body or mind.

Japanese has several words that overlap with 負担. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are emphasizing the physical weight, the social duty, or the emotional pressure.

重荷 (Omoni): This literally means 'heavy load.' It is more figurative and emotional than 'futan.' You might say a secret is an 'omoni' on your heart. 'Futan' is more clinical or administrative.
義務 (Gimu): This means 'obligation' or 'duty.' While a 'gimu' can be a 'futan,' 'gimu' focuses on the fact that you *must* do it (like paying taxes), whereas 'futan' focuses on the *weight* or *cost* of doing it.
負荷 (Fuka): Used in engineering, computing, and sports science. 'CPU fuka' (CPU load). Use this for technical stress rather than human responsibility.

心の重荷を下ろす。(Kokoro no omoni o orosu.)
To take a weight off one's heart. (More emotional than futan)

When discussing costs, you might also hear 自腹 (jibara). This is a very informal way to say 'out of my own pocket.' While 'futan' is used in a formal contract ('The employee shall bear the costs'), 'jibara' is used when complaining to a friend ('I had to pay for the lunch out of my own pocket!').

環境への負荷を低減する。(Kankyou e no fuka o teigen suru.)
To reduce the load/impact on the environment.

In business, 割り当て (wariate) is used for 'allocation' or 'quota.' If a task is assigned to you, it's a 'wariate.' If that task is too much to handle, it becomes a 'futan.' Knowing these distinctions will help you sound more like a native speaker who understands the subtleties of Japanese work culture.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji 負 also means 'to lose' (makebu). This is because when you lose, you 'bear' the defeat or the shame on your back.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /fu.taɴ/

US /fu.tɑn/

Heiban (Flat) accent. The pitch stays relatively level throughout the word.

Rhymes With

Kitan (Reserve) Shitan (Sandalwood) Botan (Button) Mutan (No end) Katan (Support) Gentan (Reduction) Yutan (Hot water bag) Sutan (Soot)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'fu' with too much lip rounding like English 'foo'.
Stress on the first syllable (FU-tan) instead of flat pitch.
Making the 'n' too distinct like an English 'n' at the end.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Kanji are common but require N3 level knowledge. The reading 'futan' is regular.

Writing 4/5

The kanji for 'tan' (担) is slightly complex with many strokes.

Speaking 2/5

Easy to pronounce; flat pitch is simple for English speakers.

Listening 2/5

Distinct sound, rarely confused with other words in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

負ける持つ重い費用責任

Learn Next

軽減強いる分担負荷義務

Advanced

受益者負担の原則応能負担環境負荷低減

Grammar to Know

Suru-verbs

負担する (To bear a burden)

〜に〜をかける (To put/place something on...)

体に負担をかける (To put strain on the body)

〜にとって (For/To someone)

私にとって大きな負担だ (It is a big burden for me)

〜を強いる (To force/impose)

犠牲を強いる (To force a sacrifice)

〜を軽減する (To reduce/alleviate)

負担を軽減する (To reduce the burden)

Examples by Level

これは私の負担です。

This is my burden (I will pay).

Simple noun usage with 'desu'.

費用は会社が負担します。

The company will bear the cost.

Subject (ga) + Object (hiyou) + Futan shimasu.

体への負担を減らしましょう。

Let's reduce the strain on the body.

Futan o herashimashou (Let's reduce).

負担が大きいです。

The burden is big.

Adjective 'ookii' describing the noun 'futan'.

送料は負担してください。

Please bear the shipping cost.

Polite request form 'shite kudasai'.

誰が負担しますか？

Who will bear (the cost)?

Question form with 'dare ga'.

心の負担になります。

It becomes a mental burden.

Ni narimasu (To become).

負担を分けましょう。

Let's share the burden.

Wakeru (To divide/share).

この仕事は彼にとって大きな負担だ。

This job is a big burden for him.

Ni totte (for/to someone).

無理な運動は心臓に負担をかける。

Excessive exercise puts a strain on the heart.

Ni futan o kakeru (to put strain on).

手数料は自己負担となります。

The fee will be your own responsibility (out-of-pocket).

Jiko futan (self-burden/out-of-pocket).

家事の負担を平等にする。

To make the burden of housework equal.

Byoudou ni suru (to make equal).

親に負担をかけたくない。

I don't want to put a burden on my parents.

V-tai (want to) in negative form.

新しい税金が国民の負担になる。

The new tax becomes a burden on the citizens.

Noun + no + Noun.

負担を軽くするために機械を使う。

We use machines to lighten the burden.

Tame ni (in order to).

このプランなら負担が少ないです。

With this plan, the burden is small.

Nara (If/in the case of).

経済的な負担が重くのしかかっている。

The financial burden is weighing heavily.

Omoku noshikakaru (to weigh heavily).

介護の負担を軽減する対策が必要だ。

Measures to reduce the burden of nursing care are necessary.

Keigen suru (to alleviate/reduce).

彼はその責任を一人で負担した。

He bore that responsibility all by himself.

Hitori de (alone/by oneself).

都市部への人口集中がインフラの負担となっている。

Concentration of population in urban areas is a burden on infrastructure.

To natte iru (is becoming/is acting as).

精神的な負担を減らすために休暇を取る。

I take a vacation to reduce the mental burden.

Shinriteki (psychological/mental).

どちらが費用を負担するか話し合いましょう。

Let's discuss which side will bear the costs.

Dochira ga (which one).

この靴は足への負担が少ない設計だ。

These shoes are designed to put less strain on the feet.

E no (towards/on).

過度な期待は子供の負担になる。

Excessive expectations become a burden for children.

Kado na (excessive).

政府は中小企業の税負担を軽減する方針だ。

The government aims to reduce the tax burden on small businesses.

Houshin da (is the policy/aim).

環境への負担を最小限に抑える技術。

Technology that minimizes the burden on the environment.

Saishougen ni osaeru (to keep to a minimum).

共働き世帯では、家事負担の偏りが問題だ。

In dual-income households, the imbalance of the housework burden is an issue.

Kayori (imbalance/bias).

彼は多大なリスクを自ら負担することに決めた。

He decided to bear the great risks himself.

Mizukara (himself/voluntarily).

社会保障制度が若年層の過度な負担となっている。

The social security system has become an excessive burden on the younger generation.

Jakunensou (younger generation).

この製品は環境負荷を考慮して作られている。

This product is made considering the environmental load.

Kankyou fuka (environmental load/impact).

多忙なスケジュールが彼の健康に負担を強いている。

A busy schedule is forcing a burden on his health.

Shiiru (to force/impose).

受益者負担の原則に基づき、利用料を徴収する。

Fees are collected based on the principle that the beneficiary bears the cost.

Juekisha futan (beneficiary pays).

財政赤字の拡大が将来世代への負担となるのは避けられない。

It is inevitable that the expansion of the fiscal deficit will become a burden for future generations.

Sakeraresnai (inevitable).

企業の社会的責任（CSR）は、単なるコスト負担ではない。

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is not merely a cost burden.

Tan naru (mere/simple).

立証責任の負担がどちらにあるかが裁判の争点だ。

Which side carries the burden of proof is the point of contention in the trial.

Risshou sekinin (burden of proof).

過疎化が進む地域では、インフラ維持の負担が限界に達している。

In areas where depopulation is progressing, the burden of maintaining infrastructure has reached its limit.

Genkai ni tassuru (to reach the limit).

心理的負担の数値化は、労働環境改善の第一歩である。

Quantifying psychological burden is the first step toward improving the work environment.

Suuchika (quantification).

公的扶助のあり方は、国民の負担感に大きく左右される。

The nature of public assistance is greatly influenced by the public's sense of burden.

Sayuu sareru (to be influenced/governed by).

特定の国に過度な負担を強いる国際秩序は見直されるべきだ。

An international order that forces an excessive burden on specific countries should be reviewed.

Minaosareru beki (should be reviewed).

脳への情報過多による負担が、現代人の集中力を削いでいる。

The burden of information overload on the brain is eroding the concentration of modern people.

Soidu iru (eroding/chipping away).

持続可能な社会の実現には、応能負担の原則が不可欠である。

The principle of ability-to-pay (burden according to ability) is essential for realizing a sustainable society.

Ounou futan (ability-to-pay).

存在の耐えられない軽さは、皮肉にも最大の精神的負担となり得る。

The unbearable lightness of being can, ironically, become the greatest mental burden.

Nari-uru (has the potential to become).

歴史的責務を負担するという覚悟が、指導者には求められる。

Leaders are required to have the resolve to bear historical responsibilities.

Kakugo (resolve/preparedness).

グローバル資本主義の歪みが、周縁部の人々に不均衡な負担を強いている。

The distortions of global capitalism are imposing a disproportionate burden on people in the periphery.

Shuuenbu (periphery/marginalized areas).

介護離職の問題は、個人の負担能力を超えた社会構造の欠陥を露呈している。

The issue of leaving jobs for caregiving exposes structural flaws in society that exceed individual capacity to bear.

Rotai shite iru (is exposing/revealing).

知の継承という崇高な負担が、文明の進歩を支えてきた。

The noble burden of inheriting knowledge has supported the progress of civilization.

Suukou na (noble/sublime).

環境債務の負担を次世代に転嫁することは、倫理的に許容されない。

Passing the burden of environmental debt to the next generation is ethically unacceptable.

Tenka suru (to pass on/transfer blame or burden).

自己決定権の行使には、それに伴う結果への自己負担が前提となる。

The exercise of the right to self-determination presupposes self-bearing of the resulting consequences.

Zentei (presupposition/premise).

Synonyms

重荷責任負荷労苦コスト

Antonyms

軽減免除

Common Collocations

負担をかける

費用を負担する

負担が大きい

負担を減らす

自己負担

環境負担

負担が重い

負担を強いる

経済的負担

負担を分担する

Common Phrases

負担にならない程度に

— To an extent that doesn't become a burden.

負担にならない程度に手伝ってください。

ご負担をおかけします

— I'm sorry to put you to this trouble/burden (Humble).

お忙しい中、ご負担をおかけします。

全額負担

— Bearing the full amount/cost.

修理代は全額負担します。

受益者負担

— The principle that those who benefit pay for the service.

受益者負担の原則に基づいています。

精神的負担

— Mental or psychological burden.

試験の前は精神的負担が大きい。

身体的負担

— Physical strain or burden.

重い荷物は身体的負担になる。

負担軽減

— Reduction of burden.

業務効率化による負担軽減を図る。

公費負担

— Paid for by public funds/government.

ワクチン接種は公費負担です。

負担金

— A contribution or share of expenses.

自治会に負担金を払う。

負担能力

— Ability to bear (a cost or load).

彼の負担能力を超えている。

Often Confused With

負担 vs 責任 (Sekinin)

Sekinin is the duty; Futan is the weight of that duty.

負担 vs 負荷 (Fuka)

Fuka is technical/mechanical load; Futan is human/financial burden.

負担 vs 義務 (Gimu)

Gimu is a required obligation; Futan is the strain caused by it.

Idioms & Expressions

"肩の荷が下りる"

— To have a burden lifted from one's shoulders.

プロジェクトが終わり、肩の荷が下りた。

General

"重荷を背負う"

— To carry a heavy burden (metaphorical).

彼は若くして一家の重荷を背負った。

Literary

"身を削る"

— To wear oneself down (often by taking on too much burden).

身を削って家族を支える。

Emotional

"苦労を共にする"

— To share hardships/burdens together.

彼とは長年苦労を共にしてきた。

General

"泣き面に蜂"

— Misfortune on top of misfortune (adding to the burden).

風邪を引いた上に仕事が増えて、泣き面に蜂だ。

Informal

"荷が重い"

— The task is too much for one's ability (The load is too heavy).

私にはこの役職は荷が重すぎます。

General

"骨を折る"

— To go to great trouble/burden for something.

仲裁のために骨を折る。

General

"無理を強いる"

— To force the impossible (impose a heavy burden).

部下に無理を強いてはいけない。

Work

"無理がたたる"

— Overwork/excessive burden taking its toll later.

若いうちの無理がたたって、腰を痛めた。

Health

"手を貸す"

— To lend a hand (to reduce someone's burden).

忙しそうだから手を貸そうか？

Informal

Easily Confused

負担 vs 重荷 (Omoni)

Both mean burden.

Omoni is more metaphorical/emotional. Futan is more literal/administrative.

心の重荷 (Omoni) vs 費用の負担 (Futan).

負担 vs 負荷 (Fuka)

Both mean load.

Fuka is for machines, muscles, or engineering. Futan is for people's efforts or finances.

CPUの負荷 (Fuka) vs 仕事の負担 (Futan).

負担 vs 迷惑 (Meiwaku)

Both involve bothering someone.

Meiwaku is the trouble caused to others. Futan is the specific load they have to carry because of it.

迷惑をかける (To cause trouble) vs 負担をかける (To put a load on someone).

負担 vs 担当 (Tantou)

Both involve tasks.

Tantou is just being 'in charge'. Futan is the 'weight' of being in charge.

私が担当です (I am in charge) vs 私の負担です (It's my burden).

負担 vs 苦労 (Kurou)

Both mean hardship.

Kurou is the general struggle. Futan is a specific, quantifiable burden.

苦労した (I struggled) vs 費用を負担した (I paid the cost).

Sentence Patterns

[Person] は [Cost] を負担する

父は学費を負担した。

[Action] は [Body Part] に負担がかかる

走ることは膝に負担がかかる。

[Thing] は [Person] にとっての負担だ

残業は私にとっての負担だ。

負担を減らすために [Action]

負担を減らすために、仕事を分担した。

[System] が [Group] に負担を強いる

この制度は若者に負担を強いている。

負担軽減を図る

政府は家計の負担軽減を図っている。

負担の公平性を保つ

税制において負担の公平性を保つことは重要だ。

[Noun] の負担能力

企業の負担能力を考慮する必要がある。

Word Family

Nouns

負担金 (Contribution)

負担者 (Bearer)

負担額 (Amount to be borne)

負担感 (Sense of burden)

Verbs

負担する (To bear/shoulder)

Adjectives

負担的な (Burden-like - rare)

負債 (Debt)

担当 (In charge)

担架 (Stretcher)

勝負 (Match/Game)

責任 (Responsibility)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely frequent in business, medical, and news contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using 'futan' for 'I lost the game'. → Make-mashita.
While the kanji 負 is used in 'makeru' (to lose), 'futan' never means losing a game.
Saying 'Futan o harau'. → Futan o suru / Hiyou o harau.
You don't 'pay' a burden; you 'bear' it or pay a 'cost'.
Using 'futan' for a heavy suitcase. → Omoi nimotsu.
Use 'omoi' for physical weight unless it's causing a problem/strain.
Using 'futan' for moral responsibility. → Sekinin.
If you broke a vase, you have 'sekinin,' not 'futan' (unless you have to pay for it).
Confusing 'futan' with 'fuka' in tech. → Fuka (負荷).
Don't say 'Server no futan'; say 'Server no fuka'.

Tips

Avoid being a 'Futan'

In Japan, people often decline help initially to avoid putting a 'futan' on others. If you offer help, be persistent but polite.

Particle Choice

Use 'ni' for the target of the burden (Who/What is burdened) and 'ga/o' for the person bearing it.

Clarify Expenses

In business meetings, always confirm 'Dochira ga futan shimasu ka?' to avoid later disputes.

Medical Context

If a doctor says 'futan,' they mean you need to rest that specific body part.

Kanji Meaning

Remember 負 means 'bear' and 担 means 'shoulder'. It's a load on your back and shoulders.

Sharing the Load

Use 'futan o wakeru' or 'futan o buntan suru' to suggest teamwork.

Humble Usage

Use 'go-futan' when talking about someone else's effort to be polite.

Essay Writing

'Futan' is a great word for essays about social problems like taxes or aging.

Softening Requests

Start with 'O-futan ja nakereba...' (If it's not a burden...) to make a polite request.

News keywords

Look out for 'futan-zou' (increased burden) and 'futan-gen' (decreased burden).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Futon' (布団). If you have to carry a giant heavy futon on your back (負) and shoulder (担), it's a huge 'Futan' (burden).

Visual Association

Imagine a person carrying a giant gold coin (financial burden) on their back like a backpack.

Word Web

Money Shoulders Cost Stress Duty Strain Taxes Health

Challenge

Try to use 'futan' in three different ways today: once for money, once for physical health, and once for work tasks.

Word Origin

Composed of Middle Chinese roots. 負 (fu) meaning 'to carry on the back' and 担 (tan) meaning 'to shoulder.'

Original meaning: To literally carry a load on one's back and shoulders.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

Be careful when telling someone they are a 'futan.' It is very heavy and can be hurtful, implying they are a major nuisance.

In English, 'burden' is often negative. In Japanese, 'futan' is often a neutral administrative term (e.g., 'Who is paying?').

Used frequently in the anime 'Neon Genesis Evangelion' regarding the mental burden of pilots. Common in news headlines about the Consumption Tax (shouhizei). Found in medical dramas like 'Doctor X'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Doctor

膝に負担がかかる (Strain on knees)
心臓への負担 (Strain on heart)
負担を和らげる (Ease the strain)
安静にして負担を減らす (Rest to reduce strain)

Business Meeting

コストを負担する (Bear the cost)
負担の割合を決める (Decide the ratio of burden)
業務負担の平準化 (Leveling workload)
弊社が全額負担 (Our company pays full)

Tax/Finance

税負担 (Tax burden)
自己負担金 (Copayment)
負担を強いる (Impose a burden)
家計への負担 (Burden on household)

Family/Social

家事の負担 (Housework burden)
介護の負担 (Caregiving burden)
負担になりたくない (Don't want to be a burden)
負担を分かち合う (Share the burden)

Environment

環境への負担 (Burden on environment)
負荷を抑える (Suppress the load)
排出量の負担 (Burden of emissions)
持続可能な負担 (Sustainable load)

Conversation Starters

"最近、仕事の負担が増えていませんか？ (Has your workload increased lately?)"

"家事の負担を減らすために何か工夫していますか？ (Are you doing anything to reduce the burden of housework?)"

"送料はどちらが負担することになっていますか？ (Who is supposed to bear the shipping costs?)"

"この運動は、腰に負担がかかりすぎませんか？ (Doesn't this exercise put too much strain on the lower back?)"

"将来の税負担についてどう思いますか？ (What do you think about the future tax burden?)"

Journal Prompts

今の生活で、一番大きな負担に感じていることは何ですか？ (What do you feel is the biggest burden in your life right now?)

誰かに負担をかけてしまったと感じた時のことを書いてください。 (Write about a time you felt you put a burden on someone.)

仕事と私生活の負担のバランスをどう取っていますか？ (How do you balance the burdens of work and private life?)

社会全体の負担を減らすために、テクノロジーはどう役立つと思いますか？ (How do you think technology can help reduce the burden on society?)

「肩の荷が下りた」と感じた経験を教えてください。 (Tell me about an experience where you felt a 'burden was lifted'.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Usually, you use 'omoi' (heavy). You use 'futan' if the bag is causing a health problem or if it's too much for someone specific (e.g., 'That bag is a burden for the child').

'Harau' is the physical act of paying. 'Futan suru' means to take responsibility for the cost. A company might 'futan' the cost, but the employee 'harau' the bill first and gets reimbursed.

Not necessarily. It is a neutral word. However, telling someone 'You are a futan' is very rude and negative.

You say 'Futan ni naritakunai' or 'Gomeiwaku o kaketakunai'.

It means the portion of the medical bill you have to pay yourself (usually 30% in Japan).

No, for machines and computers, use 'fuka' (負荷).

Yes, to describe strain on joints or the heart. 'Kansetsu ni futan ga kakaru' (Strain on joints).

It's a formal word for a contribution or a share of expenses, often used in community or government projects.

Yes, 'shinriteki futan' (psychological burden) is a very common phrase.

There isn't one perfect word, but 'keigen' (reduction) is often used as the opposite action, or 'onkei' (benefit) as the opposite state.