Usage of 拖累
The verb 拖累 (tuōlěi) means to burden or to cause trouble for someone else, often implying that one's actions or problems negatively affect others. It is commonly used in both personal and professional contexts when someone feels they might be a liability or cause inconvenience.
Common Collocations
- 拖累别人 (tuōlěi biérén): to burden others
- 拖累团队 (tuōlěi tuánduì): to hold back the team
- 不想拖累 (bù xiǎng tuōlěi): don't want to be a burden
These phrases highlight the social sensitivity around causing inconvenience or harm to others.
Nuance and Register
拖累 carries a somewhat negative connotation, often expressing a sense of guilt or responsibility for causing trouble. It is polite and formal enough for workplace or serious conversations but can also appear in everyday speech when discussing personal relationships.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse 拖累 with 拖延 (tuōyán), which means to delay or procrastinate. 拖累 focuses on the negative impact on others rather than the act of delaying something.