貪 (tān) - Greedy, covetous, avaricious & to have an insatiable desire for wealth or

貪Tone 1

tān ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

树檀

貪 · tān

Greedy, covetous, avaricious;

to have an insatiable desire for wealth or possessions.

Greedy, covetous, avariciousto have an insatiable desire for wealth or

Usage highlights

CorruptionGreedy officialAvariceInsatiable greedGreed for petty gainsLust for power

Synonyms

  • 婪— Greedy, avaricious
  • 欲— Desire, craving

Antonyms

  • 廉— Honest, incorruptible
  • 清— Pure, clean (morally)
  • 俭— Frugal, thrifty

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He was accused of corruption and greed (贪污).
  • The greedy official amassed a fortune (贪官).
  • Don't be greedy for petty gains (贪小便宜).
  • She has an insatiable appetite for power (贪权).

Collocations

  • Corruption(贪污)
  • Greedy official(贪官)
  • Avarice(贪心)
  • Insatiable greed(贪得无厌)
  • Greed for petty gains(贪小便宜)
  • Lust for power(贪权)

Idioms

  • Insatiably greedy(贪得无厌)
  • Greedy for life and afraid of death(贪生怕死)
  • Greed leads to loss(贪多必失)
  • Corrupt officials and perverted justice(贪官污吏)
  • Greed knows no bounds(贪心不足)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Confucian ethics, greed is considered one of the worst moral failings, contrary to the virtue of righteousness.
  • Buddhism lists greed as one of the Three Poisons (along with hatred and ignorance) that cause suffering.
  • Historically, greedy officials were severely punished in Chinese legal systems, sometimes with death penalties.

FAQ