Meaning
贪婪 describes an excessive desire for wealth, possessions, or more than one needs. It conveys a negative moral judgment about someone who is never satisfied and always wants more, often at others' expense. This term is commonly used in both everyday contexts and literary or philosophical discussions about human nature.
Usage
贪婪 is a formal term with strong negative connotations. It's frequently used in written Chinese, news commentary, and serious discussions about ethics or character flaws. Native speakers might use 贪心 in more casual conversation to express a similar but slightly milder concept. Often appears in phrases describing greedy people (贪婪的人) or greedy behavior.
Examples
- 01他贪婪的眼神暴露了他的真实想法。.His greedy expression revealed his true thoughts.
- 02人性中的贪婪往往会导致悲剧的发生。.Greed in human nature often leads to tragedy.
Characters
Common collocations
- 贪婪的目光greedy eyes/gaze
- 贪婪的本性greedy nature
- 充满贪婪full of greed
- 克服贪婪to overcome greed
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters relate to greed: 贪 (tān) combines 今 (now) and 贝 (shell/money), suggesting desire for immediate wealth. 婪 (lán) contains the 女 (woman) radical and 林 (forest), though its exact etymology is debated. Together they form an intensive compound emphasizing insatiable desire.