zhānshǒu

沾手

Word · Verb

touch with hands; get involved in

Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma

Meanings

2 senses · 6 examples
1.

verb

to touch with one's hands; to handle

Often used to describe physical contact with objects, especially snow, fragile items, or things one should avoid touching.

Xuě雪
huā花
yī一
zhān沾
shǒu手
jiù就
huà化
le了
 。

Snowflakes melt as soon as they touch your hands.

Zhè这
gǔ古
dǒng董
hěn很
guì贵
zhòng重
 ,
qǐng请
wù勿
zhān沾
shǒu手
 。

This antique is very valuable; please do not touch it.

Show 1 more example
Tā他
gàn干
huó活
hěn很
lì利
luo落
 ,
cóng从
bù不
zhān沾
shǒu手
zāng脏
huó活
 。

He works very efficiently and never touches dirty work.

2.

verb

to get involved in; to have a hand in

Metaphorical sense implying that once involved, it is difficult to withdraw, or that the matter is troublesome, illegal, or complicated. Often used in warnings or negative contexts.

Zhè这
shì事
yī一
zhān沾
shǒu手
jiù就
shuǎi甩
bù不
diào掉
 。

Once you get involved in this matter, you can't get out of it.

Nà那
xiē些
fēi非
fǎ法
mǎi买
mài卖
qiān千
wàn万
bù不
néng能
zhān沾
shǒu手
 。

You must never get involved in those illegal transactions.

Show 1 more example
Tā他
wéi为
rén人
jǐn谨
shèn慎
 ,
cóng从
bù不
zhān沾
shǒu手
shì是
fēi非
 。

He is a prudent person and never gets involved in disputes.