zaap6 jim5習染习染

Jyutpingzaap6 jim5

Yalejaahp yíhm

Definition

To pick up a bad habit; to be influenced or contaminated by negative surroundings.

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How it's used

This term carries a negative connotation, typically referring to the acquisition of undesirable habits, behaviors, or social atmospheres. It implies a gradual process of influence where one is slowly corrupted or negatively shaped by their environment. Unlike neutral words for learning or picking up, it suggests a loss of original character or standards.

Examples

keoi5佢sai3細sai3細go3個zau6就zaap6習jim5染zo2咗hou2好do1多waai6壞zaap6習gwaan3慣。

He picked up many bad habits since he was young.

nei5你dim2點gaai2解wui2會zaap6習jim5染dou3到ni1呢di1啲gam3咁caa1差koi3嘅fung1風hei3氣？

How did you manage to pick up such a poor atmosphere?

Common phrases

zaap6習jim5染ok3惡zaap6習

to pick up bad habits

zaap6習jim5染fung1風hei3氣

to be influenced by a social atmosphere

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a neutral way to say learn or acquire, but it is almost exclusively used for negative traits or corrupting influences. Using it to describe learning a skill or a positive hobby will sound unnatural and overly formal or accusatory.