Meaning
普及 means to make something widely available or known to the general public. It describes the process of spreading knowledge, technology, education, or practices so that they become common and accessible to ordinary people. The word emphasizes reaching a broad population rather than just a select few.
Usage
Commonly used in formal contexts discussing education, technology, healthcare, or cultural initiatives. Often appears in governmental or organizational language about making services or knowledge accessible to the masses. Can function as both a verb (to popularize) and an adjective (widespread/popular).
Examples
- 01随着科技的发展，智能手机已经在中国得到了普及。, .With the development of technology, smartphones have become widespread in China.
- 02政府正在努力普及义务教育，让每个孩子都能上学。, .The government is working hard to popularize compulsory education so that every child can attend school.
Characters
Common collocations
- 普及教育universal education
- 普及率popularization rate, penetration rate
- 普及知识to popularize knowledge
- 得到普及to become widespread
Antonyms
Origin
The character 普 means 'universal' or 'everywhere,' while 及 means 'to reach' or 'to extend to.' Together they literally mean 'to reach universally,' conveying the idea of spreading something to all people.