to dip, to immerse, to soak; to percolate, to steep
v, 10 strokes, radical 氵, rank #9564, Hard
jìn(jin4) T4
1to immerse
2to soak
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March 24, 2026
浸jìn(jin4)
The character 浸 (jìn) means to immerse or soak something in a liquid. It is commonly used in contexts involving cooking, such as soaking ingredients, as well as in metaphorical senses, like being immersed in study or a particular experience.
Strokes10Radical氵Frequency#9564DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese cooking, 浸 is commonly associated with marinating foods, a practice that highlights the importance of flavor in Chinese cuisine. Recipes often call for ingredients to be fully immersed in sauces or liquids for enhanced taste.
Memory Tip
Imagine a sponge soaking in water, which visually represents the character 浸. The left part '氵' (water radical) hints at its liquid association, while the right part '侵' can be thought of as something being 'invaded' by water, making it fully immersed.
Meanings of 浸
jìn(jin4)
1to immerse
2to soak
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 浸
浸Simplified
10Strokes
氵Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#9564Frequency Rank
Podcast: 浸
Podcast: 浸
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AI Study Notes for 浸
Quick Contrast
浸 (jìn) vs 泡 (pào) — use 浸 for a more thorough or prolonged soaking, while 泡 suggests a quicker or lighter immersion.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a sponge soaking in water, which visually represents the character 浸. The left part '氵' (water radical) hints at its liquid association, while the right part '侵' can be thought of as something being 'invaded' by water, making it fully immersed.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 浸 with similar verbs like 泡 (pào), which means to soak but often implies a shorter duration. 浸 is more formal and can be used in both casual and formal contexts. Watch for tone errors; 浸 has a falling tone (4th tone).
HSK Study Tips
Although 浸 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it relates to HSK 3 and 4 words like 泡 and 沉 (chén), meaning to sink. Focus on its usage in culinary contexts and metaphorical expressions to deepen understanding.
Cultural Note
In Chinese cooking, 浸 is commonly associated with marinating foods, a practice that highlights the importance of flavor in Chinese cuisine. Recipes often call for ingredients to be fully immersed in sauces or liquids for enhanced taste.
Common Mistakes
Learners might incorrectly use 浸 when they mean to say 泡, such as saying '我浸茶' (wǒ jìn chá) instead of '我泡茶' (wǒ pào chá) for 'I soak the tea.' Remember, 浸 suggests a deeper or longer immersion.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 浸
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Grammar Patterns of 浸
浸 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
他的工作服已经被油____透，该洗洗了。
His work clothes, having become saturated with oil, had to be cleaned.
Example Sentences for 浸 (10)
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1
他的工作服已经被油浸透，该洗洗了。
tā de gōng zuò fú yǐ jīng bèi yóu jìn tòu， ， gāi xǐ xǐ。
His work clothes, having become saturated with oil, had to be cleaned.
2
他一看到夏普浸满鲜血的制服，脸色顿时变得煞白。
tā yī kàn dào xià pǔ jìn mǎn xiān xiě de zhì fú， ， liǎn sè dùn shí biàn dé shā。
His face blanched as he looked at Sharpe's blood-drenched uniform.
3
她那被汗水浸透的衣服黏在身上。
tā nà bèi hàn shuǐ jìn tòu de yī fú nián zài shēn shàng。
Vegetables should retain some firmness and should not be soggy and waterlogged.
9
干邑白兰地也用于浸渍食材，给砂锅炖菜提味。
gān yì bái lán dì yě yòng yú jìn zì shí cái， ， gěi shā guō dùn cài tí。
Cognac is also used to macerate and flavour ingredients and casseroles.
10
她用消毒剂浸洗伤口。
tā yòng xiāo dú jì jìn xǐ shāng kǒu。
She bathed the cut with antiseptic.
Cultural Notes for 浸
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese cooking, 浸 is commonly associated with marinating foods, a practice that highlights the importance of flavor in Chinese cuisine. Recipes often call for ingredients to be fully immersed in sauces or liquids for enhanced taste.
Word Family of 浸
Compounds2
寖
蓡
Words Containing This Character13
沉浸chénjìnto soak
浸jìnto soak
浸泡jìnpàoto steep
浸润to permeate浸潤
浸透to soak
浸湿to soak浸濕
浸入to soak
浸种to soak seeds (to make them germinate)浸種
浸染to be contaminated
浸渍to soak浸漬
浸没to immerse浸沒
浸剂infusion (pharm.)浸劑
浸沉to soak
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 沉浸 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 浸
No, while it is commonly used in cooking contexts, 浸 can also refer to immersing oneself in activities or studies.
Yes, 泡 (pào) and浸泡 (jìn pào) can be used, but they carry slightly different nuances.
Absolutely! You can use 浸 to describe immersing oneself emotionally or intellectually in something.
