Translation guide
The English verb 'permeate' describes something spreading throughout and becoming present in every part of something else. It can be physical (a smell, liquid) or abstract (an idea, feeling). Japanese uses different verbs depending on what is permeating and what it is permeating.
To describe a smell, liquid, gas, light, or other physical thing spreading through and filling a space or substance.
Most common for liquids, smells, or colors soaking into a material. Emphasizes absorption and deep penetration.
雨が地面に染み込んだ。
The rain permeated the ground.
タバコの臭いが服に染み込んでいる。
The smell of cigarettes has permeated my clothes.
Used when a gas, smell, or atmosphere fills an entire room or enclosed space. Often intransitive with が.
部屋中に花の香りが充満していた。
The scent of flowers permeated the room.
Technical or formal term for liquids or ideas permeating. Often used in scientific contexts or metaphorically for policies, ideas.
水が土壌に浸透する。
Water permeates the soil.
To describe an idea, feeling, mood, or cultural element spreading throughout a group, society, or work.
Common for abstract concepts like ideas, values, or trends spreading through society or an organization.
その考えは社会に広く浸透している。
That idea has permeated society widely.
新しい技術が日常生活に浸透した。
New technology has permeated daily life.
Emphasizes that something has spread to every corner or person. Often used for information, rules, or a mood.
Literary or emotional nuance; often used for feelings, cold, or a mood deeply penetrating one's heart or body.
To describe something passing through a physical barrier like a membrane, wall, or filter.
Technical term for light, liquid, or gas passing through a material. Common in science and engineering.
光がガラスを透過する。
Light permeates the glass.
Describes liquid oozing or seeping out through something, like sweat through a shirt.
汗がシャツに浸み出ている。
Sweat is permeating through the shirt.
染み込む is everyday language for liquids/smells soaking into fabric, wood, etc. 浸透する is more formal/technical and can be used for both physical and abstract permeation. For abstract ideas spreading in society, 浸透する is the standard choice.
醤油がテーブルクロスに染み込んだ。
Soy sauce permeated the tablecloth.
民主主義の考えが浸透した。
The idea of democracy permeated.
While 浸透する can be used for smells, 染み込む or 充満する are more natural for everyday situations like food smells or perfume. Using 浸透する for a room filled with a smell sounds overly technical.
注意事項が全員に行き渡った。
The precautions permeated to everyone.
悲しみが会場に行き渡った。
Sadness permeated the venue.
彼の言葉が心に染み渡った。
His words permeated my heart.