贪

• Pinyin: tān
• Hanzi breakdown: 贪 = 今 (now, phonetic) + 贝 (shell/money)

Meaning

To be greedy; to covet; to crave. Wanting more than one needs or deserves.

Describes excessive desire for money, food, sleep, or pleasure. Can be used lightly (贪睡, likes to sleep in) or seriously (贪污, corruption). The word carries moral judgment.

Examples

1. 他就是太贪了，不然怎么会落到今天这个地步。 He was just too greedy — otherwise how could he have ended up in this situation?
2. 孩子贪玩是天性，但也不能完全放任。 Children naturally love to play, but you can't just let them do whatever they want.
3. 人心不足蛇吞象，贪得无厌只会害了自己。 A greedy heart is like a snake trying to swallow an elephant — insatiable greed will only harm yourself.

Usage Guide

Context: moral criticism, everyday

Tone: judgmental

Do Say

• 他太贪了，什么便宜都想占。(He's so greedy — he wants to take advantage of everything.)
• 我贪睡，早起很难。(I love sleeping in — getting up early is hard.)

Don't Say

• 用'贪'形容正当追求 (贪 implies excess and moral failing — don't use it for legitimate ambition)

Origin & History

The character combines 贝 (shell/money) and 今 (now, phonetic), suggesting excessive desire for wealth.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal