HSK 7, v, 8 strokes, radical 贝, rank #14345, Very Hard
贪
tān
to covet
HSK 7, v, 8 strokes, radical 贝, rank #14345, Very Hard
贪
tān
greedy
HSK 7, v, 8 strokes, radical 贝, rank #14345, Very Hard
贪
tān
corrupt
HSK 7, v, 8 strokes, radical 贝, rank #14345, Very Hard
贪
tān
greedy, covetous; corrupt
HSK 7, v, 8 strokes, radical 贝, rank #14345, Very Hard
tān(tan1) T1
1to have a voracious desire for
2to covet
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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#14345DifficultyVery Hard
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
Choose the correct answer:
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.
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.
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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Phonosemantic compound. 贝 represents the meaning and 今 represents the sound. Simplified form of 貪.
1The meaning half贝 carries the sense.
2The sound half今 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaymoney
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 贪? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 贪?
Decomposition of 贪
IDS Structure⿱今贝
贪Full Character
=
今jin1
top
贝Bei4
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 贪?
How to say to have a voracious desire for in Chinese
“to have a voracious desire for” in Chinese is贪tān
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.
When to use 贪
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.
贪 or something close to it
贪 (tān) vs 渴望 (kěwàng) — use 贪 when emphasizing excessive or greedy desire, while 渴望 conveys a strong but more neutral longing.
What learners get wrong
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).
Write 贪
贪
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Practice writing 贪 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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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.
