About
The character "沾" is structured with the water radical (氵) alongside the component "占", which primarily serves as a phonetic element, and its etymology is grounded in concepts related to moisture or liquid. Initially, it denoted the act of moistening or becoming damp, as found in classical texts, and from this concrete meaning, it gradually extended to signify light physical contact or touching. Over time, its semantic range further broadened to include abstract senses such as deriving benefit or advantage from something, as well as absorbing or being affected by qualities, often with negative implications like contamination. The traditional form "霑", which incorporates the rain radical (雨) above the "沾" element, reflects a more specific association with rainwater or dew, but the character "沾" has historically encompassed these evolving meanings.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
雨水沾湿了衣服。
别让油漆沾到手。
他沾了朋友的光。
这本书沾点历史。
她的裙子沾上了泥巴。
这种做法沾了违法的边。
他的成功沾了时代的光。
沾染不良习惯会影响一生。