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March 24, 2026
贪(貪)tān(tan1)
The character 贪 (tān) describes a strong desire or craving, often associated with greed or corruption. It is commonly used in contexts where someone is excessively wanting or coveting something, whether it be material possessions or power. This word can carry negative connotations, especially in moral discussions about ethics and integrity.
Strokes8Radical贝Frequency#14345DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of greed is often linked to philosophical teachings, such as Confucianism, which emphasizes moderation and self-control. 贪 is frequently used in discussions about corruption in politics and business, reflecting societal values regarding integrity.
Memory Tip
Imagine a greedy person (贪) standing next to a large pile of gold, their eyes gleaming with desire. The radical '衣' (clothing) suggests they are dressed to impress, yet it’s their greed that truly defines them. Remember 'tān' sounds like 'tantrum' – a child's tantrum over wanting something they cannot have.
Meanings of 贪
tān(tan1)
1to have a voracious desire for
2to covet
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 贪
贪Simplified
貪Traditional
8Strokes
贝Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#14345Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 贪
Podcast: 贪
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AI Study Notes for 贪
Quick Contrast
贪 (tān) vs 渴望 (kěwàng) — use 贪 when emphasizing excessive or greedy desire, while 渴望 conveys a strong but more neutral longing.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a greedy person (贪) standing next to a large pile of gold, their eyes gleaming with desire. The radical '衣' (clothing) suggests they are dressed to impress, yet it’s their greed that truly defines them. Remember 'tān' sounds like 'tantrum' – a child's tantrum over wanting something they cannot have.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 贪 with 欲 (yù), which also relates to desire but is broader and less negative. Use 贪 in contexts that imply greediness or corruption, while 欲 can be used more generally. Be cautious of the tone; using it too lightly can come off as informal or dismissive.
HSK Study Tips
Although 贪 is not part of HSK vocabulary, it connects well with other HSK words related to desires and wants, such as 想 (xiǎng) and 爱 (ài). Focus on recognizing its negative connotation and practice using it in sentences that highlight moral lessons or ethical concerns.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of greed is often linked to philosophical teachings, such as Confucianism, which emphasizes moderation and self-control. 贪 is frequently used in discussions about corruption in politics and business, reflecting societal values regarding integrity.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misinterpret 贪 as a neutral term; however, it should always be used with caution due to its negative implications. For instance, saying '我贪好吃的' (Wǒ tān hǎo chī de) to mean 'I crave delicious food' is incorrect; a better choice would be '我想吃好吃的' (Wǒ xiǎng chī hǎo chī de).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 贪
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Grammar Patterns of 贪
贪 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. 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.
Exercise 1 of 5
Complete the Sentence
很多领导人都变得____恋权力和金钱。
Many of the leaders have become hooked on power and money.
yīn cǐ, , zhè gè tān lán de yóu tài rén jiù gēn kāng kǎi de shāng rén ān dōng ní ào jié xià le hěn shēn de chóu.
Therefore there was great enmity between this covetous Jew and the generous merchant Antonio.
4
饿狗贪婪地啃食着人的尸体。
è gǒu tān lán dì kěn shí zháo rén de shī tǐ。
Starving dogs feasted on the human corpses.
5
贪婪是七罪宗之一。
tān lán shì qī zuì zōng zhī yī。
Greed is one of the seven deadly sins .
6
男孩抢过一块饼便贪婪地吃起来.
nán hái qiāng guò yī kuài bǐng biàn tān lán dì chī qǐ lái.
The boy snatched a piece of cake and ate it hungrily.
7
那三位姓马默布尔的先生也伸长脖子,贪婪地听着.
nà sān wèi xìng mǎ mò bù ěr de xiān shēng yě shēn cháng bó zǐ, , tān lán dì tīng.
The three Mr. Mumbles bent forward and listened eagerly.
8
他的别墅里满是他贪婪成性的证据。
tā de bié shù lǐ mǎn shì tā tān lán chéng xìng de zhèng jù。
His villa is filled with evidence of his acquisitiveness.
9
他们贪婪地闻着煎鱼铺的香味.
tā mén tān lán dì wén zháo jiān yú pū de xiāng wèi.
They snuffed the smell of the fried - fish shops.
10
那个饿汉贪婪地把食物投入口中.
nà gè è hàn tān lán dì bǎ shí wù tóu rù kǒu zhōng.
The hungry man greedily shovelled the food into his mouth.
Cultural Notes for 贪
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of greed is often linked to philosophical teachings, such as Confucianism, which emphasizes moderation and self-control. 贪 is frequently used in discussions about corruption in politics and business, reflecting societal values regarding integrity.
Word Family of 贪
Words Containing This Character20
贪婪tānlánavaricious貪婪
贪tānto covet貪
贪污tānwūto be corrupt貪污
贪心greedy貪心
贪官corrupt official貪官
贪图to covet貪圖
贪吃gluttonous貪吃
贪得无厌avaricious and insatiable (idiom); greedy and never satisfied貪得無厭
贪欲greed貪慾
贪玩to only want to have a good time貪玩
贪财to be greedy in getting money貪財
贪恋to cling to貪戀
贪生怕死clinging abjectly to life貪生怕死
贪官污吏grasping officials, corrupt mandarins (idiom); abuse and corruption貪官污吏
贪赃枉法corruption and abuse of the law (idiom); to take bribes and bend the law貪贓枉法
起早贪黑to be industrious, rising early and going to bed late起早貪黑
贪杯to drink in excess貪杯
贪求to crave貪求
贪嘴gluttonous貪嘴
贪色greedy for sex貪色
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 贪婪 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 贪
贪 specifically implies a greedy desire, while 欲 can refer to any kind of desire or want.
Typically, no. 贪 carries negative connotations and is used to describe excessive or immoral desires.
You can use it to describe someone who is overly eager for wealth, e.g., '他贪财' (Tā tān cái) meaning 'He is greedy for money.'
