Definition
渐 has two readings: the common jiàn meaning 'gradually', and this rarer jiān meaning 'to dip/soak (in liquid)'. With the jiān reading, it is a bound form (b.f.), meaning it only appears as part of literary compounds like 渐染 (jiān rǎn, to dye or be gradually influenced) and 渐渍 (jiān zì, to soak or be gradually affected). You will not encounter it as a standalone verb.
b.f.
to dip/soak (in liquid)bound form used in literary compounds
Examples
- 渐。Zhè kuài sīchóu bèi jiān rǎn chéng shēn lán sè.This piece of silk was dyed dark blue by dipping.
- 渐。Yǔshuǐ jiān zì le qiáng jiǎo de mùtou.Rainwater soaked the wood in the corner.
- 渐。Jiāng yàocái fàng zài shuǐ zhōng jiān jìn sān xiǎoshí.Put the medicinal herbs in water to steep for three hours.
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