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verb / noun / measure word HSK 4
rèn
to appoint · to assume (a position) · term of office · to allow · no matter (what/how)

Meaning

任 is a versatile character with several related meanings. As a verb, it means to appoint someone to a position or to take on a responsibility. As a noun, it refers to a term of office or duty. It also appears in many common phrases meaning 'no matter' or 'whatever,' expressing unconditional situations.

Usage

In formal contexts, 任 often relates to job appointments (担任, 任命). In everyday speech, it frequently appears in patterns like 任何 (any), 任务 (task), and 任凭 (no matter how). When used alone as 'to allow' or 'let,' it has a somewhat literary or formal tone compared to 让.

Examples

  1. 01
    他担任了公司的总经理。
    Tā dān rèn le gōng sī de zǒng jīng lǐ.
    He assumed the position of general manager of the company.
  2. 02
    任何人都不能违反这个规定。
    Rèn hé rén dōu bù néng wéi fǎn zhè ge guī dìng.
    No one can violate this regulation.

Measure words

  • 届jiè第一任总统

Common collocations

  • 任命
    rèn mìng
    to appoint; to nominate
  • 担任职务
    dān rèn zhí wù
    to hold a position
  • 任凭
    rèn píng
    no matter (how/what)
  • 任意
    rèn yì
    arbitrary; at will

Antonyms

Origin

The character combines 亻(person) and 壬 (a phonetic component originally related to bearing weight), suggesting the idea of a person bearing responsibility or being entrusted with duties.

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