渗

• Pinyin: shèn
• Hanzi breakdown: 渗 = 氵(water radical) + 参 (enter, penetrate)

Meaning

To seep; to permeate; to ooze or filter through slowly.

Describes the slow penetration of liquid or influence through a porous material or barrier. Used literally for water, oil, or other fluids seeping through surfaces, and figuratively for the gradual spread of ideas, culture, or influence.

Examples

1. 雨水从屋顶的裂缝渗进来，把天花板弄湿了一大片。 Rainwater seeped in through a crack in the roof and soaked a large area of the ceiling.
2. 汗水渗透了他的衣背，留下一道深色的印迹。 Sweat soaked through the back of his shirt, leaving a dark stain.
3. 外来文化的影响已悄悄渗入了当地传统习俗的各个角落。 The influence of outside cultures has quietly seeped into every corner of local traditional customs.

Usage Guide

Context: science, everyday description, metaphor

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 地下水慢慢渗进地基，若不及时处理，将对建筑结构造成长期损害。(Groundwater is slowly seeping into the foundation; if not addressed promptly, it will cause long-term damage to the structure.)
• 这种营销理念已悄然渗入消费者的日常生活，影响着人们的购买决策。(This marketing philosophy has quietly permeated consumers' daily lives, influencing their purchasing decisions.)

Don't Say

• 渗 for a sudden burst of liquid — use 涌 or 溢 for a gush or overflow; 渗 specifically implies slow, gradual seeping

Origin & History

渗 = 氵(water) + 参 (enter, mix in)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal