污染

• Pinyin: wū rǎn
• Hanzi breakdown: 污 = 氵(water) + 亏, dirty/filthy; 染 = 氵(water) + 杂, to dye/stain

Meaning

To pollute; pollution; contamination.

Can function as both verb (to pollute) and noun (pollution). Used for environmental issues like 空气污染 (air pollution), 水污染 (water pollution), 环境污染 (environmental pollution). Also used metaphorically for things that corrupt or taint, such as 精神污染 (spiritual pollution) or 光污染 (light pollution).

Examples

1. 这条河被工厂排放的废水严重污染了。 This river has been severely polluted by wastewater discharged from factories.
2. 城市空气污染是个全球性的问题，需要各国共同应对。 Urban air pollution is a global problem that requires joint efforts from all countries.
3. 政府出台了一系列政策来治理环境污染。 The government has introduced a series of policies to address environmental pollution.

Usage Guide

Context: environment, news, formal discussion

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 空气污染很严重。(Air pollution is very serious.)
• 不要污染环境。(Don't pollute the environment.)

Don't Say

• 他污染了我的心情 for ruining your mood — 污染 is mainly for physical/environmental contamination; use 影响 or 破坏

Origin & History

Compound of 污 (dirty/filthy) + 染 (to dye/to stain), meaning to make dirty or contaminated.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal