饱和

• Pinyin: bǎo hé
• Hanzi breakdown: 饱 = 饣(food) + 包 (full); 和 = harmony/with

Meaning

Saturated; to saturate; to reach capacity.

Originally a chemistry term for saturation. Now widely used for markets, colors, schedules, or any state of being full to capacity.

Examples

1. 这个市场已经饱和，很难再有增长空间。 This market is already saturated — it's hard to find more room for growth.
2. 他的工作日程已经排得很饱和了。 His work schedule is already packed to capacity.
3. 这张照片的色彩饱和度需要调低一点。 The color saturation in this photo needs to be turned down a bit.

Usage Guide

Context: business, technical

Tone: analytical

Do Say

• 市场已经饱和了。(The market is already saturated.)
• 饱和脂肪酸不宜多吃。(Saturated fatty acids shouldn't be eaten in excess.)

Don't Say

• 把稍微忙碌说成'饱和' (Don't use 饱和 for being slightly busy — it implies maximum capacity)

Origin & History

饱 (full/satisfied) + 和 (harmony/mix). Fully mixed or filled.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal