沉 (chén): This character's original meaning is “to sink” or “to submerge,” like a stone sinking in water. It conveys a sense of depth, weight, and being pulled under.
迷 (mí): This character means “to be lost,” “confused,” or “bewitched/fascinated.” It pictures someone lost in a maze (the radical ⽊ 'rice' inside ⾡ 'to go' suggests wandering off the path).
When combined, 沉迷 (chénmí) creates a powerful and vivid image: to sink into a state of being lost. This perfectly captures the feeling of addiction—being pulled under by a fascination to the point where you lose your way and can't get out.
In Chinese culture, which often places a high value on diligence, self-discipline, and academic or professional achievement, 沉迷 (chénmí) is a highly cautionary term. It's frequently used by parents, teachers, and in public service announcements to warn against the dangers of excessive indulgence, particularly in activities seen as unproductive.
Comparison to Western Concepts: While it translates to “addiction,” its usage is broader and more social than the often clinical use of “addiction” in the West. In English, you might say, “I'm really into this new TV show.” In Chinese, you would be very careful not to say `我沉迷这个电视剧` (wǒ chénmí zhège diànshìjù) unless you meant it was genuinely causing problems in your life. 沉迷 (chénmí) is less about a medical diagnosis and more about a social and moral judgment that a person has lost their sense of priority and self-control. It directly opposes the cultural ideal of moderation and focus on one's primary responsibilities (`本分 - běnfèn`).