load, burden

JLPT N5 6 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Usage of

The character (fù) primarily means "to bear," "to carry a burden," or "to lose" in contexts such as competitions or debts. It often appears in words related to responsibility, debt, or defeat.

Common meanings

  • To bear or carry something intangible like responsibility or debt.
  • To lose in a competition or contest.
  • To have a negative or opposite meaning (e.g., negative numbers).

Common collocations

  • (fùzhài): to be in debt.
  • 负责 (fù zérèn): to take responsibility.
  • 负面 (fùmiàn): negative (side, effect).
  • 负担 (fùdān): burden.

Notes

When used in the context of losing (e.g., a game), is often followed by to indicate the completed action of losing. In responsibility contexts, it emphasizes the act of taking on or carrying a duty. It is a formal character often seen in written language and formal speech.

Avoid confusing with similar-sounding verbs like (fù, to pay), which have different meanings and usages.

Example Sentences

He is heavily in debt and life is very difficult.

We lost this match, but we will keep working hard.

He took on the responsibility of caring for his family.