Definition
沾 (zhān) means 'to touch and get something on you' (e.g., paint, dirt), focusing on the result of contact. 碰 (pèng) is a general 'touch' without that result. 蘸 (zhàn) is a specific 'dip' into a liquid. 沾光 is a fixed phrase meaning 'to benefit from association'.
verb
to touch (and get something on)to come into contact withto benefit from association (in 沾光)
Easily confused
- 钻zuānlook-aliketo drill, to bore (a hole)
- 站zhànsound-alikestation (bus, train, etc.)
- 贴tiēlook-aliketo stick, to paste, to post (e.g. online)
- 站zhànsound-alike(verb) to stand
- 粘zhānlook-aliketo stick, to glue, to adhere
- 占zhànsound-aliketo occupy, to take up (space, time, or a position)
- 店diànlook-alikeshop; store
- 盏zhǎnsound-alike(classifier) for lamps, lanterns, and other light sources (also literary: small cup)
- 斩zhǎnsound-aliketo behead (as capital punishment)
- 蘸zhànsound-aliketo dip (in ink, sauce, etc.)
Examples
- 沾。Xiǎoxīn bié zhān shàng yóuqī.Be careful not to get paint on you.
- 沾。Tā zǒngshì xiǎng zhān biérén de guāng.He always wants to benefit from others.
- 。Tā de huà gēn zhè jiàn shì bù zhān biān.His words have nothing to do with this matter.
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