沾

• Pinyin: zhān
• Hanzi breakdown: 沾 = 氵 (water) + 占 (to occupy) — moisture adhering

Meaning

To dip; to touch; to be stained with. To come into contact with liquid or to attach to a surface.

Used for dipping food: 沾酱 (dip in sauce). For acquiring through association: 沾光 (benefit from association), 沾亲带故 (connected by kinship). For habits: 沾染 (to pick up bad habits). Often implies something sticking or adhering.

Examples

1. 饺子要沾着醋吃才更有味道。 Dumplings taste better dipped in vinegar.
2. 他的手上沾满了油漆，需要用松节油才能洗干净。 His hands are covered in paint; he’ll need turpentine to wash them clean.
3. 自从认识那群人后，他沾染了许多不良习惯。 Ever since he started hanging out with that group, he’s picked up a lot of bad habits.

Usage Guide

Context: cooking, daily life, associations

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这种面包沾上黄油更好吃。(This bread tastes better when dipped in butter.)
• 他从不沾烟酒，生活非常自律。(He never touches tobacco or alcohol — his lifestyle is very disciplined.)

Don't Say

• 沾水在纸上 — for pouring or placing water, use 倒 or 滴; 沾 implies touching or dipping briefly

Origin & History

氵 (water) + 占 (to occupy) — liquid that occupies/adheres to a surface

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal