Meaning and Usage
The word 泛滥 (fàn làn) primarily means "to flood" or "to overflow," often used to describe water exceeding its normal boundaries, such as rivers flooding nearby areas. Beyond the literal sense, it is frequently used metaphorically to describe something spreading excessively or uncontrollably, such as misinformation or abuse.
Common Contexts
- Literal flooding of water bodies causing damage.
- The rampant spread of negative phenomena like false information or corruption.
Collocations and Patterns
- 河水泛滥 (héshuǐ fànlàn): river flooding
- 信息泛滥 (xìnxī fànlàn): information overload or rampant misinformation
- 滥用职权 (lànyòng zhíquán): abuse of power (note 滥 is used in compounds to indicate excess or abuse)
Usage Notes
When using 泛滥, the tone is often serious or negative, highlighting an uncontrolled or harmful spread. It is common in news reports, formal discussions, and warnings. Avoid using it for positive spreading or growth. Also, 泛滥 differs from simple "overflow" by implying a problematic excess.
Common Confusion
泛滥 vs. 溢出 (yìchū): 溢出 means "to overflow" but is more neutral and often used for liquids spilling out. 泛滥 emphasizes large-scale flooding or uncontrolled spreading, often with negative consequences.