zim1沾
Jyutpingzim1
Yalejīm
Definition
To stain, touch, or make contact with.
- to leave a mark or stain; to get dirty
- to touch, contact, or consume a small amount of
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
Focuses on the physical transfer of a substance onto a surface, often implying an accidental or unwanted mess. It is frequently used for liquids like oil, paint, or ink that leave a visible mark. Unlike generic words for dirtying something, this specifically highlights the contact point where the stain begins.
Examples
The shirt got some oil on it, it's really hard to wash.
Your hand is stained with ink, go wash it quickly.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 掂, which means to touch or make contact with something in a neutral or intentional way. While 沾 implies a residue or stain is left behind, 掂 is purely about the act of touching.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
