Translation guide
The act of carrying something on one's shoulder, or the metaphorical sense of taking on a burden or responsibility.
Physically carrying something on one's shoulder, such as a bag, a load, or a person.
The most common way to say 'to carry on one's shoulder'. 担ぐ (かつぐ) specifically means to shoulder something.
彼は重い荷物を肩に担いで運んだ。
He carried the heavy load on his shoulder.
Metaphorically shouldering a duty, blame, or difficult task.
The standard phrase for 'to shoulder responsibility'. 負う (おう) means to bear or take on.
彼はプロジェクトの全責任を負っている。
He is shouldering all the responsibility for the project.
Using one's shoulder to push or force one's way, as in a crowd or through a door.
Literally 'to push with the shoulder'. Used when physically pushing something or someone with the shoulder.
彼はドアを肩で押し開けた。
He shouldered the door open.
担ぐ (かつぐ) is specifically for carrying on the shoulder, while 背負う (せおう) is for carrying on the back. For metaphorical burdens, 背負う is more common, but 担ぐ can also be used for shouldering a role or task.
The English gerund 'shouldering' often has no direct Japanese equivalent. Use the appropriate verb phrase depending on context. Avoid directly translating 'shouldering' as a noun.
The verb 'katsugu' alone can imply shouldering, often used for carrying things like bags, rifles, or even people in a playful context.
子供を肩に担ぐ。
To carry a child on one's shoulders.
Literally 'to place on the shoulder', used when putting something like a bird or a small object on the shoulder, not necessarily carrying a heavy load.
オウムを肩に乗せている。
He has a parrot on his shoulder.
Specifically refers to carrying a person (usually a child) on one's shoulders, with legs dangling in front. A noun, often used with する.
父が息子に肩車をした。
The father gave his son a shoulder ride.
Literally 'to carry a heavy load on one's back', metaphorically means to shoulder a heavy burden or responsibility. 背負う (せおう) is often used for burdens.
彼女は家族の期待という重荷を背負っている。
She is shouldering the heavy burden of her family's expectations.
Means to take over someone else's burden or responsibility, to shoulder something on behalf of another.
彼の借金を肩代わりした。
I shouldered his debt.
To take on or undertake a task or responsibility, often willingly. Can be used for shouldering a role or duty.
難しい仕事を引き受けた。
I shouldered a difficult task.
To push people aside with one's shoulder, often in a crowd.
彼は人混みを肩で押しのけて進んだ。
He shouldered his way through the crowd.