About
The character 沾 (zhān) is a phono-semantic compound. Its semantic radical 氵 (shuǐ) indicates water or liquid, while the component 占 (zhān) provides the pronunciation. Its original meaning refers to the physical act of moistening or wetting something with fluid. This core sense later extended metaphorically to include being stained or contaminated by contact, as well as gaining a benefit or sharing in someone else's good fortune through association.
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。