担任 (dān rèn) — Chinese Word

verb HSK 5

Traditional 擔任

dān rèn

to hold (a post) · to serve as · to assume (a position)

Meaning

担任 means to take on or hold a position, role, or responsibility, especially in formal or professional contexts. It emphasizes actively serving in a capacity or fulfilling duties associated with a job or role. The word conveys a sense of responsibility and commitment to the position.

Usage

This verb is commonly used in formal or professional contexts when describing someone's role or position, especially in work, government, or organizational settings. It's often followed by a specific job title or role. Native speakers use it to indicate official positions rather than casual or temporary roles.

Examples

01
他从2015年开始担任这家公司的总经理。
Tā cóng èr líng yī wǔ nián kāi shǐ dān rèn zhè jiā gōng sī de zǒng jīng lǐ.
He has served as the general manager of this company since 2015.
02
她担任班长已经三年了。
Tā dān rèn bān zhǎng yǐ jīng sān nián le.
She has been serving as class monitor for three years already.

Characters

Common collocations

担任主席
dān rèn zhǔ xí
to serve as chairman
担任教师
dān rèn jiào shī
to serve as a teacher
担任重要职务
dān rèn zhòng yào zhí wù
to hold an important position
担任领导
dān rèn lǐng dǎo
to serve as a leader

Antonyms

Origin

The compound combines 担 (to carry/shoulder) with 任 (duty/responsibility), creating the meaning of shouldering or taking on a responsibility or official position.