bui3 fu6背負背负
Jyutpingbui3 fu6
Yalebui fuh
Definition
To shoulder a responsibility or bear a heavy burden.
colloquialemotionpeople
How it's used
Focuses on the psychological or social weight of a duty rather than physical weight. While it sounds formal, it is frequently used in serious conversations to describe emotional burdens or life-changing responsibilities. It carries a sense of gravity that implies the subject is struggling or deeply committed to the task.
Examples
He shoulders the expenses of the whole family all by himself.
Related words
Common phrases
to shoulder a heavy responsibility
to bear pressure
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 孭, which is the common colloquial verb for carrying something physically on one's back. Using 背負 for carrying a physical backpack or a child sounds unnatural and overly dramatic.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
