贪

• 拼音: tān
• 汉字拆解: 贪 = 今 (now, phonetic) + 贝 (shell/money)

含义

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.

例句

1. 他就是太贪了，不然怎么会落到今天这个地步。
2. 孩子贪玩是天性，但也不能完全放任。
3. 人心不足蛇吞象，贪得无厌只会害了自己。

用法指南

语境: moral criticism, everyday

语气: judgmental

正确说法

• 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.)

错误说法

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

起源与历史

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

文化背景

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal