上瘾

• Pinyin: shàng yǐn
• Hanzi breakdown: 上 = 一 + 卜 (enter/onto); 瘾 = 疒 + 隐 (craving, addiction)

Meaning

To become addicted; to be hooked on something. Describes developing a strong compulsive habit.

Can refer to physical addiction (tobacco, alcohol, drugs) or psychological addiction (gaming, social media, food). Widely used colloquially. Can be light-hearted or serious depending on context.

Examples

1. 他沉迷于网络游戏，已经上瘾无法自拔。 He’s obsessed with online games and is already addicted, unable to pull himself out.
2. 这部剧太好看了，一看就上瘾。 This show is so good that once you start watching, you get hooked.
3. 长期饮用咖啡容易让人上瘾。 Drinking coffee long-term can make people dependent on it.

Usage Guide

Context: health, lifestyle, entertainment

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这款手机游戏设计得让人很容易上瘾。(This mobile game is designed to be highly addictive.)
• 她对跑步上瘾了，每天都坚持五公里。(She got hooked on running and sticks to five kilometres every day.)

Don't Say

• 用上瘾形容短暂的喜好 — 上瘾 implies strong habit-forming; use 喜欢 or 着迷 for mild enthusiasm

Origin & History

上 (onto/enter) + 瘾 (addiction/craving) — to enter into addiction

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal