背負う

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The spelling is 背負う, read せおう, and it is a godan transitive compound of 背, meaning back, and 負う, meaning bear.
• Basic usage: 背負う means to carry a load on one's back or figuratively shoulder a responsibility, burden, or others' expectations.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• A load carried on the back and expectations borne figuratively
  • The forms are 背負って and 背負う. The first is the physical state of carrying a pack uphill; the second is the figurative burden of everyone's expectations after becoming representative.
• A large pack on a slope and expectations placed on a representative
  • 弟は大きな荷物を背負って坂を上った。 — My brother climbed the slope carrying a large pack on his back.
  • 代表になった彼女は皆の期待を背負うことになった。 — As the representative, she came to bear everyone's expectations.