传染

傳染

chuánrǎn

verb HSK 7-9 #4,982

Meanings

Literally 'spread and contaminate' — disease passing from one host to another.

这种病会通过空气传染。

Zhèzhǒng bìng huì tōngguò kōngqì chuánrǎn.

This disease can spread through the air.

别担心，这个不传染。

Bié dānxīn, zhège bù chuánrǎn.

Don't worry, this isn't contagious.

他把感冒传染给了全家人。

Tā bǎ gǎnmào chuánrǎn gěi le quánjiārén.

He spread his cold to the whole family.

usage

传染 can also be used figuratively — 他的笑声很有传染力 (his laughter is infectious). The noun form 传染病 (chuánrǎnbìng) means 'infectious disease.'

传 chuán

染 rǎn