伝染

• Reading: でんせん
• Romaji: densen
• Kanji breakdown: 伝 (den) — transmit, convey; 染 (sen) — dye, stain, infect
• Pronunciation: /de.n.se.n/

Meaning

Contagion; infection. The transmission of disease from one person or organism to another.

A suru-verb (伝染する) that is intransitive, emphasizing the spreading aspect of disease. While 感染 focuses on becoming infected, 伝染 emphasizes the transmission process. Found in compounds like 伝染病 (contagious disease). Also used metaphorically, as in あくびが伝染する (yawning is contagious).

Examples

1. この病気は人から人に伝染する。 This disease spreads from person to person.
2. 伝染病が流行しないように対策を取った。 Measures were taken to prevent the spread of contagious disease.
3. 笑いが周りに伝染して教室が明るくなった。 Laughter spread to everyone around, and the classroom brightened up.

Usage Guide

Context: health, science, figurative speech

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 伝 (den, to transmit/convey) and 染 (sen, to dye/stain). Literally 'transmit and stain,' vividly describing how disease passes from one host to another.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal