Meanings of 贪婪
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Podcast: 贪婪
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AI study notes for 贪婪
贪心 (tān xīn) refers to a general desire for more, often with a less severe connotation than 贪婪 (tān lán), which implies a deeper and more insatiable greed.
Be cautious of the tone when using '贪婪'; it often carries a negative connotation and is generally used in a formal or literary context. Common collocations include '贪婪的欲望' (greedy desire) and '贪婪的行为' (greedy behavior). Avoid using it in casual conversation to describe someone simply wanting something.
As a level 6 word, '贪婪' connects to themes of ethics and morality discussed in advanced Chinese texts. Students should focus on related vocabulary such as '欲望' (desire) and '满足' (satisfaction) to deepen their understanding of different nuances.
Learners often confuse '贪婪' with '渴望' (kě wàng), which means desire but does not carry the negative connotation. For example, saying '他对财富的渴望是贪婪' (His desire for wealth is greed) is incorrect; it should be '他的贪婪对财富的追求是错误的' (His greedy pursuit of wealth is wrong).
Pronunciation of 贪婪
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Component characters
How to say avaricious in Chinese
“avaricious” in Chinese is贪婪
贪婪 (tān lán) refers to an intense desire for more than one needs, particularly concerning wealth or possessions. It is often used in contexts that critique excessive greed or insatiable appetites, such as in discussions about economic disparities or moral lessons.
When to use 贪婪
Be cautious of the tone when using '贪婪'; it often carries a negative connotation and is generally used in a formal or literary context. Common collocations include '贪婪的欲望' (greedy desire) and '贪婪的行为' (greedy behavior). Avoid using it in casual conversation to describe someone simply wanting something.
贪婪 or something close to it
贪心 (tān xīn) refers to a general desire for more, often with a less severe connotation than 贪婪 (tān lán), which implies a deeper and more insatiable greed.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse '贪婪' with '渴望' (kě wàng), which means desire but does not carry the negative connotation. For example, saying '他对财富的渴望是贪婪' (His desire for wealth is greed) is incorrect; it should be '他的贪婪对财富的追求是错误的' (His greedy pursuit of wealth is wrong).
Write 贪婪
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Grammar patterns of 贪婪
贪婪 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 5 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.
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因此,这个____的犹太人就跟慷慨的商人安东尼奥结下了很深的仇恨.
Therefore there was great enmity between this covetous Jew and the generous merchant Antonio.
Example sentences for 贪婪 (10)
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Frequently asked questions about 贪婪
'贪婪' specifically implies excessive greed, whereas ambition can be a positive trait. It's important to choose the right word based on the context.
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