沾染 (zhān rǎn) — to be contaminated by; to be infected with (bad habits, bacteria, etc.); to gain a small advantage (by association)

Definition

A formal-written verb for being contaminated by or picking up something bad — bad habits (∼坏习惯) or bacteria. Unlike 感染, it stresses moral/behavioral taint, not disease.

verb
to be contaminated byto be infected with (bad habits, bacteria, etc.)to gain a small advantage (by association)

Examples

  • 沾染
    Tā cóng xiǎo zhān rǎn le xī yān de huài xí guàn.
    He picked up the bad habit of smoking from a young age.
  • 沾染
    Shāng kǒu zhān rǎn le xì jūn, xū yào mǎ shàng xiāo dú.
    The wound has been infected with bacteria and needs to be disinfected immediately.
  • 沾染
    Tā gēn zhe lǎo bǎn zuò shēng yi, yě zhān rǎn le bù shǎo guāng.
    By doing business with the boss, he also gained quite a bit of advantage.

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