玷

diàn

占 + 王

Definitions

diàn blemish; disgrace; flaw in jade

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 王 represents the meaning and 占 represents the sound.

Semantic: 王 Phonetic: 占

About

玷 is a phono-semantic compound: the left-side radical 王 (a variant of 玉) indicates a connection to jade and precious stones, while the right-side component 占 (pronounced zhān or zhàn, meaning 'to divine' or 'to occupy') provides the sound. Originally, the character denoted a physical flaw or blemish on jade, prized for its purity. Over time, this meaning expanded metaphorically to a stain on one's character, reputation, or honor, often implying disgrace.

Etymology Hide

Clerical Western Jin dynasty (266-316 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

墨水玷污了他的衬衫。

Mòshuǐ diànwū le tā de chènshān.

Ink stained his shirt.

谎言玷污了他的名誉。

Huǎngyán diànwū le tā de míngyù.

Lies stained his reputation.

这种行为玷辱了家族。

Zhè zhǒng xíngwéi diànrǔ le jiāzú.

This behavior dishonored the family.

不要玷污这神圣的地方。

Bùyào diànwū zhè shénshèng de dìfāng.

Do not defile this holy place.

如果你这样做，会玷污你的名声。

Rúguǒ nǐ zhèyàng zuò, huì diànwū nǐ de míngshēng.

If you do this, it will stain your reputation.

他的名誉被流言玷污了。

Tā de míngyù bèi liúyán diànwū le.

His reputation was stained by rumors.

那场丑闻彻底玷污了公司的形象。

Nà chǎng chǒuwén chèdǐ diànwū le gōngsī de xíngxiàng.

That scandal completely tarnished the company's image.

尽管他努力澄清，但过去的错误仍玷污着他的职业生涯。

Jǐnguǎn tā nǔlì chéngqīng, dàn guòqù de cuòwù réng diànwū zhe tā de zhíyè shēngyá.

Although he tried to clarify, past mistakes still stain his career.

Related Characters

Component: 占

Component: 王

玷