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March 24, 2026
污染wūrǎn(wu1ran3)
污染 (wū rǎn) refers to pollution or contamination, specifically the introduction of harmful substances into the environment. It can pertain to air, water, soil, or any part of nature that is adversely affected by human activity or waste.
Strokes15Frequency#4745DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In China, pollution has become a pressing issue due to rapid industrialization, leading to significant public concern and government initiatives aimed at environmental protection. The term is frequently encountered in news and discussions about sustainability.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'wool' (sounds like 'wu') sweater being 'ruined' (sounds like 'ran') by dirt. This visual connects the sound of the word to its meaning, as pollution ruins the purity of our environment.
Meanings of 污染
wūrǎn(wu1ran3)
1pollution
2contamination
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About 污染
污染Simplified
15Strokes
—Radical
名动词dòngcíverb-noun (v.-n.)Part of Speech
#4745Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 污染
Podcast: 污染
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AI Study Notes for 污染
Quick Contrast
污染 (pollution) vs 破坏 (destruction) — use 污染 when referring specifically to contamination, while 破坏 implies a broader sense of damage or destruction.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 污染 with other words for change or alteration, as it specifically refers to harmful contamination. It is more commonly used in formal contexts, especially in discussions about environmental issues. A common collocation is '环境污染' (huánjìng wūrǎn), meaning environmental pollution.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 污染 connects to vocabulary related to the environment and health. Students should focus on using it in context, perhaps in sentences discussing environmental issues or regulations.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 污染 in contexts that do not involve harmful substances, such as saying '他污染了我的心情' (tā wūrǎnle wǒ de xīnqíng), which translates awkwardly to 'He polluted my mood.' The correct phrasing would be '他影响了我的心情' (tā yǐngxiǎngle wǒ de xīnqíng).
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Pronunciation of 污染
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污染 (wū rǎn) refers to pollution or contamination, specifically the introduction of harmful substances into the environment. It can pertain to air, water, soil, or any part of nature that is adversely affected by human activity or waste.
When to use 污染
Be careful not to confuse 污染 with other words for change or alteration, as it specifically refers to harmful contamination. It is more commonly used in formal contexts, especially in discussions about environmental issues. A common collocation is '环境污染' (huánjìng wūrǎn), meaning environmental pollution.
污染 or something close to it
污染 (pollution) vs 破坏 (destruction) — use 污染 when referring specifically to contamination, while 破坏 implies a broader sense of damage or destruction.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 污染 in contexts that do not involve harmful substances, such as saying '他污染了我的心情' (tā wūrǎnle wǒ de xīnqíng), which translates awkwardly to 'He polluted my mood.' The correct phrasing would be '他影响了我的心情' (tā yǐngxiǎngle wǒ de xīnqíng).
Write 污染
污
染
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Grammar Patterns of 污染
污染 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 2 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.
