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扩散 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
扩散kuòsànto spreadHSK 7, v, rank #6918, Hard
扩散kuòsànto proliferateHSK 7, v, rank #6918, Hard
扩散kuòsànto diffuseHSK 7, v, rank #6918, Hard
扩散kuòsànspreadHSK 7, v, rank #6918, Hard
扩散kuòsànproliferationHSK 7, v, rank #6918, Hard
扩散kuòsàndiffusionHSK 7, v, rank #6918, Hard
kuòsàn(kuo4san4) T4
  1. 1to spread
  2. 2to proliferate
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March 24, 2026
扩散(擴散)kuòsàn(kuo4san4)

The verb 扩散 (kuò sàn) means to spread or to diffuse something, such as ideas, information, or substances. It is commonly used in scientific contexts, like the diffusion of gases, as well as in discussions about social trends or the spread of diseases.

Frequency#6918DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese society, the concept of 扩散 is particularly relevant in discussions about the spread of information on social media, reflecting the rapid dissemination of news and trends in modern life.

Memory Tip

Imagine a balloon (the character 扩) that is being blown up and starting to spread out (散) in all directions. The sound 'kuo' can remind you of 'expand,' which aligns with the idea of spreading or diffusing.

Meanings of 扩散

kuòsàn(kuo4san4)
1to spread
2to proliferate
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 扩散

扩散Simplified
擴散Traditional
Strokes
Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#6918Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 扩散

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Podcast: 扩散

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AI Study Notes for 扩散

Quick Contrast

扩展 (kuòzhǎn) refers to the act of expanding or extending something, often in a physical or metaphorical sense, whereas 扩散 (kuòsàn) emphasizes the spreading or diffusion aspect.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a balloon (the character 扩) that is being blown up and starting to spread out (散) in all directions. The sound 'kuo' can remind you of 'expand,' which aligns with the idea of spreading or diffusing.

Usage Notes

Be mindful of the context when using 扩散, as it can imply a more general or scientific spread. Common collocations include '信息扩散' (information diffusion) and '病毒扩散' (virus spread). Avoid confusion with similar verbs like '传播' (to transmit), which may have a slightly different nuance.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 扩散 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to science and social phenomena. Students should focus on its usage in both academic and everyday contexts to enhance comprehension and fluency.

Cultural Note

In Chinese society, the concept of 扩散 is particularly relevant in discussions about the spread of information on social media, reflecting the rapid dissemination of news and trends in modern life.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 扩散 with 传播, using them interchangeably. For example, saying '信息传播' (information spread) is correct, but one might mistakenly say '信息扩散' in contexts where '传播' is more appropriate.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 扩散

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Component Characters

kuòenlarge
HSK 76 strokes
View full entry
sǎnto scatter
HSK 612 strokes
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Write 扩散

Practice writing 扩散 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 扩散

扩散 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 6 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 5

Complete the Sentence

有关于分子____速度的数据。

There are data on the rates of diffusion of molecules.

Example Sentences for 扩散 (3)

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1
有关于分子扩散速度的数据。

yǒu guān yú fēn zǐ kuò sàn sù dù de shù jù。

There are data on the rates of diffusion of molecules.
2
他为裁军运动和反对核武器扩散而奔走。

tā wéi cái jūn yùn dòng hé fǎn duì hé wǔ qì kuò sàn ér bēn zǒu。

He campaigned for peace and against the spread of nuclear weapons.
3
一滴牛奶在水中扩散开来.

yī dī niú nǎi zài shuǐ zhōng kuò sàn kāi lái.

A drop of milk diffused in the water.

Cultural Notes for 扩散

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese society, the concept of 扩散 is particularly relevant in discussions about the spread of information on social media, reflecting the rapid dissemination of news and trends in modern life.

Frequently Asked Questions about 扩散

No, 扩散 can be used both in scientific contexts and in everyday discussions about the spread of ideas or trends.