B2 verb Formal 1 min read

承载

chéng zài /ʈʂʰəŋ˧˥ t͡saɪ˥˩/
Practice it

‘承载’ describes the capacity to hold and support both physical mass and profound abstract significance.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • To physically support weight or a load.
  • To metaphorically carry abstract values, history, or hopes.
  • Commonly used in formal, technical, or literary Chinese contexts.

Overview

  1. 1概述：‘承载’是一个书面语色彩较浓的动词。‘承’意为托着、承担，‘载’意为装载。合在一起表示物体支撑住重量，或某种媒介包含着某种精神内涵。2) 用法模式：通常接具体的物理量（如重量、负荷）或抽象的名词（如历史、使命、情感）。常以‘承载着……’的形式出现。3) 常见语境：在工程建筑中，指结构的负荷能力；在人文领域，指文字、艺术或传统所蕴含的价值。4) 近义词辨析：‘承载’侧重于‘托起并装载’，强调容量与支撑；‘承担’侧重于‘担负责任或义务’；‘承受’则多指‘忍受压力、痛苦或重量’。相比之下，‘承载’更具中性或褒义，常带有一种使命感或厚重感。

Examples

1

这片土地承载了太多的苦难与荣耀。

literary

This land has borne too much suffering and glory.

2

工程师正在测试桥梁的最大承载重量。

technical

Engineers are testing the maximum load-bearing weight of the bridge.

3

书籍是承载人类文明的重要媒介。

formal

Books are an important medium for carrying human civilization.

4

这个小小的书包承载着他的求学梦。

everyday

This small schoolbag carries his dream of studying.

Common Collocations

承载能力 carrying capacity
承载梦想 to carry dreams
承载历史 to bear history
文化承载 cultural bearing/preservation

Common Phrases

超负荷承载

to carry beyond capacity

情感承载

emotional bearing

Often Confused With

承载 vs 承担

Refers to taking on responsibilities, duties, or consequences (e.g., 承担责任).

承载 vs 承受

Refers to enduring pressure, stress, or weight, often focusing on the feeling of the subject (e.g., 承受压力).

Grammar Patterns

Subject + 承载着 + Object (Abstract/Physical) Subject + 的承载能力 + 很强/有限

How to Use It

Usage Notes

‘承载’ is a formal verb (H3/B2 level). It is rarely used in casual spoken conversation unless discussing serious topics. It appears frequently in news reports, documentaries, and academic writing to describe the function of infrastructure or the significance of cultural artifacts.

Common Mistakes

Commonly confused with '承担' (chéngdān). Remember: you '承担' a cost or a task, but a vessel or a concept '承载' a content or a value. Also, do not use it for emotional endurance; use '承受' for that.

Tips

💡

Use for cultural or historical legacy

When talking about how language or art preserves history, '承载' is the most sophisticated verb choice.

⚠️

Avoid for simple physical carrying

Do not use '承载' for simple actions like carrying a bag; use '提' or '拿' instead. '承载' implies a significant load or capacity.

🌍

Reflecting Chinese social values

The word is often used to describe the heavy expectations (承载期待) parents place on children in Chinese culture.

Word Origin

From '承' (to receive/support from below) and '载' (to load onto a cart/vessel). Historically relates to the physical act of transporting goods.

Cultural Context

In Chinese culture, objects like 'the Yellow River' or 'the Great Wall' are often described as '承载' the spirit of the nation, emphasizing continuity and resilience.

Memory Tip

Think of 'Cheng' (承) as hands lifting up, and 'Zai' (载) as a vehicle or container. Together, they mean 'to hold up and carry a load.'

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

‘承载’侧重于空间上的装载和支撑（如：桥梁承载重量），而‘承担’侧重于法律或道德上的责任（如：承担后果）。

可以，但通常是比喻用法。例如‘他承载着全家人的希望’，表示他背负着家人的期待。

常用于描述服务器、地基或交通工具的‘承载能力’（carrying capacity）。

它是一个中性词，但在描述文化、梦想和历史时，通常带有积极、厚重的褒义色彩。

Test Yourself

fill blank

这座古老的建筑___了这座城市数百年的记忆。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 承载

‘记忆’是一种抽象的装载物，使用‘承载’最为恰当。

multiple choice

找出错误用法：

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 他承载了这次活动的全部费用。

‘支付费用’或‘承担费用’是正确表达，‘承载’不用于金钱支出的动作。

sentence building

希望 / 承载了 / 每一个 / 孩子 / 父母的 / 都

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 每一个孩子都承载了父母的希望。

孩子是支撑物（主体），父母的希望是被装载物（客体）。

Score: /3

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