渗透 shèntòu to permeate
(literally and fig.) to permeate; to seep into; (of a product, idea etc) to penetrate (in a population); (of hostile forces) to infiltrate; (chemistry) osmosis
How to remember 渗透: 渗 to seep + 透 to pierce = to permeate.
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How it is used
- Means to permeate/seep through - 雨水渗透进土壤 (yǔshuǐ shèntòu jìn tǔrǎng) rainwater seeps into the soil.
- Very common figuratively for infiltration - 文化渗透 (cultural infiltration); 敌人渗透 (enemy infiltration).
- Also a science term (osmosis); the core image is gradually penetrating throughout something.