Significado
Being too greedy leads to bad consequences.
Contexto cultural
The proverb is often linked to the folk tale 'The Starfruit Tree' (Ăn khế trả vàng). The greedy brother's death is the ultimate cultural illustration of 'Tham thì thâm'. In business, this phrase is used to promote 'Uy tín' (prestige/credibility). Being greedy for short-term profit is seen as destroying one's long-term 'Uy tín'. Parents use this to teach children to share. If a child tries to take all the toys and ends up breaking them or having no one to play with, the parent will cite this proverb. The concept of 'Tham' (Greed) as one of the three poisons (Tham, Sân, Si) makes this proverb a secular version of a religious teaching.
Use it as a warning
It's most effective when used *before* someone makes a mistake, as a friendly caution.
Avoid victim blaming
Don't use it if someone lost money to a robbery or natural disaster.
Significado
Being too greedy leads to bad consequences.
Use it as a warning
It's most effective when used *before* someone makes a mistake, as a friendly caution.
Avoid victim blaming
Don't use it if someone lost money to a robbery or natural disaster.
The 'Th' Alliteration
Practice saying the 'th' sound clearly; it's the key to sounding native with this proverb.
Reference the Starfruit Tree
If you mention the story of 'Ăn khế trả vàng', using this proverb will make you look very culturally knowledgeable.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the proverb.
Tham thì ____.
The correct proverb is 'Tham thì thâm'.
Which situation best fits the proverb 'Tham thì thâm'?
A person tries to win every single prize at a fair but spends more money on tickets than the prizes are worth.
This is a classic example of greed leading to a net loss.
Choose the best response for Speaker B.
Speaker A: 'Tôi định đầu tư hết tiền tiết kiệm vào công ty này, họ hứa lãi suất 50% một tháng!' Speaker B: '________'
A 50% monthly return is a sign of a scam; 'tham thì thâm' is the appropriate warning.
What does 'thâm' mean in this proverb?
Trong câu 'Tham thì thâm', từ 'thâm' có nghĩa là gì?
In this context, 'thâm' refers to a deficit or loss.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosTham thì ____.
The correct proverb is 'Tham thì thâm'.
A person tries to win every single prize at a fair but spends more money on tickets than the prizes are worth.
This is a classic example of greed leading to a net loss.
Speaker A: 'Tôi định đầu tư hết tiền tiết kiệm vào công ty này, họ hứa lãi suất 50% một tháng!' Speaker B: '________'
A 50% monthly return is a sign of a scam; 'tham thì thâm' is the appropriate warning.
Trong câu 'Tham thì thâm', từ 'thâm' có nghĩa là gì?
In this context, 'thâm' refers to a deficit or loss.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt can be if said to a superior. Use it with friends, children, or when talking about a third person.
Literally yes, but figuratively it means 'deficit' (thâm hụt).
Only if you are the senior person giving advice. Otherwise, it's too informal.
There isn't a direct proverb opposite, but 'Biết đủ là hạnh phúc' (Knowing enough is happiness) is the conceptual opposite.
It is used universally across all regions of Vietnam.
No, adding 'bị' ruins the rhythmic structure of the proverb.
Because the vocabulary is simple, but the cultural application requires some context.
Yes, 'Tham lam thì thâm hụt', but it's rarely used in speech.
Yes, it's very common to use it when someone eats too much and feels sick.
Yes, if someone is 'greedy' for many partners and ends up alone.
Frases relacionadas
Tham bát bỏ mâm
similarLosing a lot while chasing a little.
Tham công tiếc việc
specialized formBeing a workaholic.
Của thiên trả địa
builds onEasy come, easy go.
Biết đủ là đủ
contrastContentment is happiness.
