普及

• Pinyin: pǔ jí
• Hanzi breakdown: 普 = 並 (together) + 日 (sun), meaning universal; 及 = depicting a hand reaching for something, meaning to reach

Meaning

To popularise; widespread. Describes making something widely available or something being commonly adopted.

As a verb, means 'to popularise' or 'to spread widely.' As an adjective, describes something that has become widespread or universal. Often used in contexts related to education, technology, and knowledge. Common in discussing how things become mainstream in society.

Examples

1. 智能手机已经在全世界普及了。 Smartphones have already become widespread around the world.
2. 政府在努力普及义务教育。 The government is working to popularise compulsory education.
3. 这种健康知识应该向大众普及。 This kind of health knowledge should be spread to the public.

Usage Guide

Context: education, technology, society

Tone: informative

Do Say

• 网络的普及改变了人们的生活。(The spread of the internet has changed people's lives.)
• 我们要普及环保知识。(We need to spread environmental awareness.)

Don't Say

• 这个餐厅的菜很普及。(Don't use 普及 to describe food being common at a restaurant — use 受欢迎 or 常见; 普及 implies systematic spread or adoption across society)

Origin & History

普 (universal, widespread) + 及 (to reach, to extend to). Together meaning 'to reach universally' or 'to spread widely.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal