Usage of 负
The character 负 (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
- 负债 (fùzhài): to be in debt.
- 负责任 (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), 负 is often followed by 了 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 负 with similar-sounding verbs like 付 (fù, to pay), which have different meanings and usages.