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March 24, 2026
赃(贓)zāng(zang1)
The character 赃 (zāng) refers to stolen goods or loot, typically acquired through illegal means. It can also imply the act of bribery, highlighting the unethical nature of acquiring wealth or possessions. This term is often used in legal and criminal contexts to discuss illicit gains.
Strokes10Radical贝Frequency#19024DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, discussions around 赃 often relate to the historical context of corruption and bribery, especially in political discourse. The concept of '贪污' (tānwū), or embezzlement, is also closely linked to this character.
Memory Tip
Imagine a thief, stealthily carrying a bag overflowing with 'zāng' (赃) treasures, glittering in the moonlight. The character itself features the radical '衣' (yī), meaning 'clothing', suggesting the thief's disguise, while '赃' hints at the hidden nature of stolen treasures.
Meanings of 赃
zāng(zang1)
1booty, loot; stolen goods; to bribe
2spoils
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 赃
赃Simplified
贓Traditional
10Strokes
贝Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 赃
Podcast: 赃
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AI Study Notes for 赃
Quick Contrast
赃 (zāng) vs 贪 (tān) — choose 赃 when specifically referring to stolen goods, while 贪 refers to greed or the act of being corrupt.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a thief, stealthily carrying a bag overflowing with 'zāng' (赃) treasures, glittering in the moonlight. The character itself features the radical '衣' (yī), meaning 'clothing', suggesting the thief's disguise, while '赃' hints at the hidden nature of stolen treasures.
Usage Notes
Learners should note that 赃 is often used in formal contexts, especially related to law or crime. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding words that have neutral or positive meanings. Common collocations include '赃款' (stolen money) and '赃物' (stolen property).
HSK Study Tips
While 赃 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding it can enhance your comprehension of discussions about crime and morality in advanced conversations. Focus on its application in legal contexts and alongside other words related to crime and ethics.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, discussions around 赃 often relate to the historical context of corruption and bribery, especially in political discourse. The concept of '贪污' (tānwū), or embezzlement, is also closely linked to this character.
Common Mistakes
Many learners mistakenly use 赃 in a neutral context, overlooking its negative implications. For example, saying '我买了赃' (I bought loot) incorrectly suggests a benign action; instead, it should be '我买了盗来的东西' (I bought stolen items) to clarify the illegality.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 赃
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Grammar Patterns of 赃
赃 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
歹徒们打劫后把 ____款 分掉了.
After the robbery the crooks had a share - out ( of the stolen money ) .
Example Sentences for 赃 (3)
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1
歹徒们打劫后把 赃款 分掉了.
dǎi tú mén dǎ jié hòu bǎ zāng kuǎn fēn.
After the robbery the crooks had a share - out ( of the stolen money ) .
2
那个警察贪赃受贿,以饱私囊.
nà gè jǐng chá tān zāng shòu huì, , yǐ bǎo sī.
The policeman has lined his pockets by taking bribes.
3
贼把赃物藏在山洞里.
zéi bǎ zāng wù cáng zài shān dòng lǐ.
The thieves hid their plunder in the cave.
Cultural Notes for 赃
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, discussions around 赃 often relate to the historical context of corruption and bribery, especially in political discourse. The concept of '贪污' (tānwū), or embezzlement, is also closely linked to this character.
Word Family of 赃
Words Containing This Character10
赃款booty贓款
赃物booty贓物
栽赃to frame sb (by planting sth on them)栽贓
赃zāngbooty贓
销赃to dispose of stolen goods銷贓
分赃fēnzāngto share the booty分贓
贪赃枉法corruption and abuse of the law (idiom); to take bribes and bend the law貪贓枉法
人赃俱获to be caught red-handed人贓俱獲
追赃to order the return of stolen goods追贓
赃官污吏grasping officials, corrupt mandarins (idiom); abuse and corruption贓官污吏
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 赃款 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 赃
赃 refers specifically to the stolen goods themselves, while 偷盗 describes the act of stealing.
No, 赃 carries a negative connotation, referring to illegal or unethical acquisition.
Common phrases include '赃物' (stolen property) and '赃款' (stolen money).
