About
The character "染" structurally combines the water radical "氵", the numeral "九", and the wood radical "木", with this composition reflecting the practical elements of dyeing where plant-based pigments are mixed with water and applied through repeated immersion. Etymologically, the inclusion of "九" is often linked to the notion of multiple actions or layers, consistent with traditional dyeing techniques. While its core meaning has consistently centered on the application of color or stain to materials, over time the character's usage extended to metaphorical contexts such as contracting illnesses or adopting behaviors, thereby broadening its application to various forms of transfer or change.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
她染了红指甲。
这件衣服容易染色。
他感染了感冒。
河流被污染了。
环境污染很严重。
他的笑容感染了大家。
为了避免感染病毒，我们要洗手。
这种新型染料能染出鲜艳的颜色。