贪污

• Pinyin: tān wū
• Hanzi breakdown: 贪 = 今 + 贝; 污 = 氵(water) + 亏 (phonetic)

Meaning

To embezzle; to be corrupt. Illegally taking public or company funds for personal use.

A serious legal/political term for corruption, especially embezzlement of public funds by officials. Central to anti-corruption campaigns in China. Carries severe legal consequences.

Examples

1. 这位官员因贪污受贿被判处有期徒刑十五年。 This official was sentenced to fifteen years in prison for embezzlement and bribery.
2. 公司加强了财务审计，防止内部人员贪污公款。 The company has strengthened financial audits to prevent internal staff from embezzling funds.
3. 反贪污斗争是一场持久战，必须常抓不懈。 The fight against corruption is a protracted battle that must be persistently pursued.

Usage Guide

Context: legal, political, news

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 他因贪污罪被逮捕。(He was arrested for embezzlement.)
• 贪污腐败现象必须严惩。(Corruption must be severely punished.)

Don't Say

• 把小偷小摸说成'贪污' (贪污 specifically refers to embezzlement by officials — for petty theft, use 偷窃 or 小偷小摸)

Origin & History

贪 means greedy, 污 means dirty or corrupt. Together: corrupt embezzlement.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal