Definition
沾染 has two distinct meanings: (1) to be contaminated or infected by something undesirable, such as bad habits, dirt, or bacteria; (2) to gain a small advantage through association with someone or something (often in the phrase 沾光). The first sense is more common and can be used literally or figuratively. The second sense is usually positive but implies benefiting indirectly.
v.
to be contaminated byto be infected with (bad habits, bacteria, etc.)to gain a small advantage (by association)
Examples
- 沾染。Tā cóngxiǎo zhān rǎn le xīyān de huài xíguàn.He picked up the bad habit of smoking from a young age.
- 沾染，。Shāngkǒu zhān rǎn le xìjūn, xūyào mǎshàng xiāodú.The wound has been infected with bacteria and needs to be disinfected immediately.
- ，沾染。Tā gēnzhe lǎobǎn zuò shēngyi, yě zhān rǎn le bùshǎo guāng.By doing business with the boss, he also gained quite a bit of advantage.
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