Learn Chinese Characters

Meaning

to assign; to appoint; office; responsibility

Chinese: 担任、任凭或责任。

Hear the Four Tones

The same syllable “ren” becomes a different word in each tone. 任 is the 4th tone. Tap any tone to hear a native voice and see its pitch shape.

Stroke Order

Tap Animate to watch the strokes in order, or Practice to trace it yourself.

Common Words

  • 任何rèn héany; whatever; whichever
  • 任务rèn wumission; assignment; task; duty
  • 责任zé rènresponsibility; duty; liability
  • 信任xìn rènto trust; to have confidence in
  • 主任zhǔ rèndirector; head

Example Sentence

老师给了我们一个任务。Lǎo shī gěi le wǒ men yí ge rèn wu.The teacher gave us a task.

老师Lǎo shīteachergěitole(completed action)我们wǒ menwe一个yí gea任务rèn wumission

Go deeper

Where this character comes from

The person radical 亻 plus 壬 (sound): to shoulder — ‘to appoint, to take on (a post); a duty, responsibility; to let, allow; no matter (任何)’ (rèn); a surname (rén).

A way to remember it

A person (亻) shouldering a charge — to take on; a duty.