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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.
Frequency#4745DifficultyHard
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
—Strokes
—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.
Memory Mnemonic
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.
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.
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.
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).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 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 3 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.
It is probably the most polluted body of water in the world.
6
伦道夫的著作专门论述污染对健康的影响。
lún dào fū de zhù zuò zhuān mén lùn shù wū rǎn duì jiàn kāng de yǐng xiǎng。
Randolph's work was exclusively concerned with the effects of pollution on health.
7
在黄石公园里使用雪车这一想法，为人们提供了一种对环境低影响、低污染的游览方式。
zài huáng shí gōng yuán lǐ shǐ yòng xuě chē zhè yī xiǎng fǎ， ， wéi rén mén tí gōng le yī zhǒng duì huán jìng dī yǐng、 xiǎng 、 dī wū rǎn de yóu lǎn。
The snowcoach concept in Yellowstone provides low-impact, low-pollution access.
8
从汉福德受污染的土地里渗出的有毒物质很快就在水中稀释了。
cóng hàn fú dé shòu wū rǎn de tǔ dì lǐ shèn chū de yǒu dú wù zhì hěn kuài jiù zài shuǐ zhōng xī shì le。
The poisons seeping from Hanford's contaminated land quickly dilute in the water.
9
他们说高耗油汽车是造成空气污染的原因之一。
tā mén shuō gāo hào yóu qì chē shì zào chéng kōng qì wū rǎn de yuán yīn zhī yī。
They say gas guzzlers are contributing to air pollution.
10
环境污染的程度已经很高.
huán jìng wū rǎn de chéng dù yǐ jīng hěn gāo.
There is already a high level of environmental contamination.
Cultural Notes for 污染
🏮Cultural insight
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about 污染
污染 specifically refers to harmful contamination, while 影响 (yǐngxiǎng) means influence or impact, which can be neutral or positive.
While it is more formal, you can use 污染 in casual conversations about environmental topics, especially if discussing pollution affects daily life.
Primarily yes, but it can also be used metaphorically to describe contamination in other areas, such as data or information.
