扩散

• Pinyin: kuò sàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 扩 = 扌(hand) + 广 (wide) — expand; 散 = 攵 (strike) + components — scatter

Meaning

To spread; to diffuse; to proliferate. The outward spreading of something.

Used in scientific contexts for diffusion of particles, gases, or liquids. Also used more broadly for the spread of information, disease, influence, or conflict. A neutral term that can describe both positive and negative spreading.

Examples

1. 病毒正在以惊人的速度扩散。 The virus is spreading at an alarming rate.
2. 香味从厨房扩散到整个房子。 The aroma diffused from the kitchen throughout the entire house.
3. 谣言在网上迅速扩散开来。 Rumors quickly spread across the internet.

Usage Guide

Context: science, news, disease, information

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 请不要让这个消息扩散出去。(Please don't let this news spread.)
• 核辐射扩散到了周边地区。(Nuclear radiation spread to surrounding areas.)

Don't Say

• 用扩散描述有目的的传播活动。(扩散 implies natural or uncontrolled spreading — use 传播 or 推广 for deliberate dissemination)

Origin & History

Compound of 扩 (expand) + 散 (scatter). Literally 'expand and scatter.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal