担负 is a formal, compound verb meaning 'to bear' or 'to shoulder'—especially responsibilities, duties, obligations, or burdens. Though both characters individually can mean 'to carry' (担) or 'to bear/undertake' (负), together they form a fixed two-character verb emphasizing serious, often socially or morally weighty commitments. It’s commonly used in written Chinese and formal speech, such as in official documents, news reports, or academic writing—not in casual daily conversation.

The word implies active acceptance and accountability: someone who 担负 a duty doesn’t just experience it passively but assumes it intentionally and conscientiously. It frequently appears with nouns like 责任 (responsibility), 义务 (obligation), 任务 (task), or 后果 (consequences). Because of its gravity, it’s rarely used for light or trivial matters—e.g., you wouldn’t say 担负一杯水; instead, use 拿 or 端. Its tone is solemn and respectful, often highlighting maturity, authority, or civic virtue.