波及

• Pinyin: bō jí
• Hanzi breakdown: 波 = 氵(water) + 皮 (skin), depicting water ripples; 及 = hand reaching down to grab, meaning to reach

Meaning

To spread to; to affect; to involve. Used when effects or consequences extend to other areas or people.

Often used for negative impacts spreading outward, like ripples in water. Common in discussions of economic crises, disasters, scandals, or any situation where effects radiate beyond the initial scope.

Examples

1. 这场金融危机从美国开始，很快波及全球市场。 This financial crisis started in America and quickly spread to global markets.
2. 工厂爆炸事故波及周边居民，数百人被紧急疏散。 The factory explosion affected surrounding residents, with hundreds being evacuated urgently.
3. 这一丑闻波及了多名政府官员，引发公众强烈不满。 This scandal implicated multiple government officials and sparked strong public dissatisfaction.

Usage Guide

Context: news, analysis, crisis

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 房地产危机可能波及银行系统。(The real estate crisis may spread to the banking system.)
• 战争的影响已经波及邻国。(The effects of the war have spread to neighboring countries.)

Don't Say

• 他的好心情波及了我。(For positive spreading of mood, use 感染 — 波及 typically implies negative spreading effects)

Origin & History

波 (wave) + 及 (to reach). Like waves spreading to reach further shores.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal