Meanings of 蔓延
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Podcast: 蔓延
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AI Study Notes for 蔓延
扩散 (kuòsàn) - use 蔓延 when emphasizing uncontrollable spread, while 扩散 suggests a more neutral or controlled diffusion.
蔓延 is often used in formal contexts, especially in discussions about health or environmental issues. A common mistake is using it with a subject that does not actively spread, like '蔓延一个人' (to spread a person), which is incorrect; instead, you would say '蔓延到一个地方' (to spread to a place).
As an HSK 6 word, 蔓延 connects to other advanced vocabulary related to growth, expansion, or influence. Focus on using it in sentences that discuss societal issues or natural phenomena, as these contexts are common in HSK 6 materials.
Learners often confuse 蔓延 with '扩展' (kuòzhǎn), which means 'to expand' but doesn't carry the same connotation of uncontrolled spread. For example, saying '这个病扩展得很快' (this disease expands quickly) is less colloquial than '这个病蔓延得很快' (this disease spreads quickly).
Pronunciation of 蔓延
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Component Characters
How to say to extend in Chinese
“to extend” in Chinese is蔓延
蔓延 (màn yán) means to extend or spread, typically used to describe the gradual expansion of something, such as a phenomenon, disease, or even feelings. It conveys a sense of something spreading uncontrollably or over a wide area, often used in both literal and metaphorical contexts.
When to use 蔓延
蔓延 is often used in formal contexts, especially in discussions about health or environmental issues. A common mistake is using it with a subject that does not actively spread, like '蔓延一个人' (to spread a person), which is incorrect; instead, you would say '蔓延到一个地方' (to spread to a place).
蔓延 or something close to it
扩散 (kuòsàn) - use 蔓延 when emphasizing uncontrollable spread, while 扩散 suggests a more neutral or controlled diffusion.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 蔓延 with '扩展' (kuòzhǎn), which means 'to expand' but doesn't carry the same connotation of uncontrolled spread. For example, saying '这个病扩展得很快' (this disease expands quickly) is less colloquial than '这个病蔓延得很快' (this disease spreads quickly).
Write 蔓延
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Practice writing 蔓延 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 蔓延
蔓延 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
传染病正在遭受洪灾的很多灾民中____。
Infectious diseases are spreading among many of the flood victims.
Example Sentences for 蔓延 (10)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 蔓延
Yes, 蔓延 can be used metaphorically to describe feelings spreading, such as '恐惧蔓延' (fear spreads).
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