贪心 در ۳۰ ثانیه

  • Greedy; wanting more than needed.
  • A negative trait describing excessive desire.
  • Applies to money, possessions, power, etc.
  • Often used in moral judgments.

The Chinese word 贪心 (tānxīn) is an adjective that translates directly to 'greedy' or 'avaricious' in English. It describes a strong, often excessive desire for more, whether it be money, possessions, power, or even food. People use 贪心 when they observe someone acting in a way that suggests they want more than they need or deserve, often at the expense of others or fairness.

Consider a situation where a child wants all the candies for themselves, refusing to share even a single piece. You might describe that child as 贪心. In a more serious context, if a business owner tries to exploit their workers by paying them very little while earning a huge profit, their behavior could be labeled as 贪心. It's a word that carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of contentment and a selfish pursuit of personal gain. Unlike simple desire, 贪心 suggests an insatiable appetite and a disregard for moderation.

The word is composed of two characters:

The character (tān) itself means 'to covet,' 'to desire greedily,' or 'to embezzle.' It often appears in words related to greed and avarice.
The character (xīn) means 'heart' or 'mind.' In many Chinese compounds, it refers to a person's inner feelings, desires, or state of mind.
Together, 贪心 literally means 'greedy heart' or 'greedy mind,' vividly portraying the internal state of someone consumed by desire.

You might hear this word used in discussions about economic issues, social inequality, or even in everyday conversations about people's motivations. For instance, a news report might discuss the 贪心 of certain corporations, or a parent might warn their child not to be 贪心 when playing with toys.

他太贪心了,什么都想要。

He is too greedy; he wants everything.

不要贪心,够用就好。

Don't be greedy; enough is good.
Usage Context
Moral discussions, character judgments, economic critiques, everyday observations of desire.

这个商人贪心不足,总是想赚更多的钱。

This merchant is insatiably greedy, always wanting to make more money.
Nuance
While 'greedy' is a direct translation, 贪心 can sometimes imply a more general 'wanting too much' or 'not being satisfied,' rather than just a focus on material wealth. It can apply to abstract desires as well.

孩子玩游戏玩得很贪心,不想让给别人。

The child is greedy when playing games, not wanting to let others have a turn.

Using 贪心 (tānxīn) in sentences is straightforward as it functions as an adjective. It typically describes a person or their behavior. You can place it directly before a noun, or use it with linking verbs like '是' (shì - to be) or '很' (hěn - very), though '很' is often omitted when the adjective is used predicatively.

A common structure is to describe someone as being 贪心. For example, '他很贪心' (tā hěn tānxīn) means 'He is very greedy.' Here, '很' is used for emphasis, but you could also say '他贪心' (tā tānxīn) which means 'He is greedy.' This predicative use is very common.

You can also use 贪心 to modify a noun, describing something as being characterized by greed. For instance, '贪心的人' (tānxīn de rén) translates to 'a greedy person.' The particle '的' (de) connects the adjective to the noun.

Let's look at more examples:

这个孩子贪心,什么玩具都想要。

This child is greedy; they want every toy.

In this sentence, 贪心 describes the child's general disposition towards toys.

贪心地想要更多。

He greedily wants more.

Here, 贪心 is used adverbially to describe the manner of wanting ('greedily'), although technically in Chinese grammar, adjectives are often used this way without explicit adverbial markers. A more grammatically direct adverbial form would be 贪心地 (tānxīn de).

Consider situations where you want to express disapproval:

老板贪心,不愿意给员工加工资。

The boss is greedy and unwilling to give employees a raise.

This sentence clearly illustrates the negative connotation of 贪心 in a workplace context.

When discussing fairness or ethical behavior, 贪心 is frequently used:

我们应该知足,不要贪心

We should be content and not greedy.

This is a common piece of advice, emphasizing the virtue of contentment over the vice of greed.

In summary, use 贪心 to describe someone or something characterized by an excessive desire for more. It can stand alone as a predicate or modify a noun with '的'.

Sentence Patterns
Subject + (很/太) + 贪心 (Subject is (very/too) greedy)
贪心 + 的 + Noun (Greedy + Noun)
Verb + 贪心 (Verb greedily)

You'll encounter the word 贪心 (tānxīn) in a variety of everyday situations and media in China. It's a common term used to describe human behavior, especially when it deviates from what's considered fair, moderate, or ethical.

Everyday Conversations: Parents often use 贪心 to teach children about sharing and contentment. For example, if a child is grabbing all the snacks, a parent might say, '不要贪心,留一些给别人' (Búyào tānxīn, liú yīxiē gěi biérén) - 'Don't be greedy, leave some for others.' You might also hear it used to describe someone who is always trying to get the best deal, perhaps to an excessive degree: '他买东西总是很贪心,想买最便宜又最好的。' (Tā mǎi dōngxi zǒng shì hěn tānxīn, xiǎng mǎi zuì piányi yòu zuì hǎo de.) - 'He's always greedy when shopping, wanting to buy the cheapest and best.'

News and Media: News reports frequently use 贪心 when discussing corruption, financial scandals, or unfair business practices. For instance, an article might criticize a company's 贪心 for profit or a politician's 贪心 for power. Headlines might read something like '官员贪心腐败被查' (Guānyuán tānxīn fǔbài bèi chá) - 'Greedy and corrupt officials investigated.' Documentaries or discussions about societal issues often touch upon the negative impacts of 贪心 on individuals and society.

Literature and Storytelling: 贪心 is a common theme in traditional Chinese stories, fables, and proverbs. Many cautionary tales feature characters who suffer misfortune due to their greed. For example, a story might involve a farmer who, out of 贪心, tries to harvest his crops before they are ripe and ends up ruining them. Proverbs like '贪心不足蛇吞象' (Tānxīn bùzú shé tūn xiàng) - 'A greedy snake tries to swallow an elephant' (meaning insatiable greed leads to ruin) are widely known and used.

Workplace Discussions: In a professional setting, 贪心 might be used to describe an employee who is constantly asking for raises or promotions without commensurate performance, or a business partner who tries to take an unfair share of profits. It's a way to criticize behavior perceived as self-serving and excessive.

Social Commentary: When people discuss social issues like wealth inequality or exploitation, 贪心 is often invoked to explain the motivations behind such problems. It's a concise way to label the excessive desire for wealth or power that can lead to negative societal outcomes.

老师告诫学生不要贪心

The teacher warned the students not to be greedy.

This simple sentence reflects a common educational context where 贪心 is presented as a trait to be avoided.

In essence, 贪心 is a versatile word used to express disapproval of excessive desire across various aspects of life, from personal conduct to societal structures.

When learning to use 贪心 (tānxīn), English speakers might make a few common mistakes related to its nuance, grammatical function, and direct translation.

Mistake 1: Overuse with '很' (hěn) or '太' (tài). While '很' (hěn) is often used with adjectives in Chinese, when an adjective like 贪心 is used predicatively (after the subject, describing it), '很' is often omitted, especially if the statement is neutral or factual. Using '很' can sometimes add a slight emphasis, but omitting it is more common and sounds more natural in many contexts. For example, '他贪心' is more common than '他很贪心' when simply stating a fact. However, '他太贪心了' (tā tài tānxīn le) is correct and common to express that someone is *too* greedy.

Mistake 2: Confusing its direct translation with its broader implication. While 'greedy' is the primary translation, 贪心 can also imply 'wanting too much' or 'not being satisfied' in a general sense, not strictly limited to material possessions. For instance, a child might be described as 贪心 if they want to play a game for an excessively long time or want all the attention. Translating it solely as 'avaricious' might miss these broader applications.

Mistake 3: Incorrectly using it adverbially. 贪心 is primarily an adjective. While it can sometimes function similarly to an adverb (e.g., '他贪心地想要更多' - Tā tānxīn de xiǎng yào gèng duō, meaning 'He greedily wants more'), the more grammatically explicit adverbial form is 贪心地 (tānxīn de). Using 贪心 directly before a verb without '地' (de) can sound less formal or slightly non-standard in some contexts, though it's common in spoken language. It's safer for learners to use 贪心地 when modifying a verb.

Mistake 4: Applying it to neutral desires. 贪心 carries a negative connotation. It's used to describe excessive or inappropriate desire, not just any desire. Wanting a new phone is a desire; wanting *every* new phone released, or demanding one regardless of cost or need, might be described as 贪心. Be careful not to label normal wishes or ambitions as 贪心.

Mistake 5: Grammatical placement. While 贪心 can modify nouns with '的' (e.g., 贪心的人 - tānxīn de rén, 'a greedy person'), avoid placing it directly before a noun without '的' in most cases, unless it's part of a set phrase or in very informal speech. For example, '贪心的商人' (tānxīn de shāngrén - greedy businessman) is correct, but '贪心商人' is less common and might sound abrupt.

Incorrect: 他贪心买很多东西。

Correct: 他贪心地买了很多东西。 OR 他买东西很贪心

Understanding these common pitfalls will help you use 贪心 more accurately and naturally.

While 贪心 (tānxīn) is the most common word for 'greedy,' other words and phrases can express similar or related concepts, often with subtle differences in nuance or register.

Synonyms and Related Terms:

1. 贪婪 (tānlán)
Meaning: Greedy, avaricious. This is a more formal and literary term than 贪心. It often appears in written contexts, news reports, or when discussing more serious vices.
Usage: '他对金钱贪婪无比' (Tā duì jīnqián tānlán wúbǐ) - 'He is incredibly greedy for money.' It emphasizes an insatiable desire.
2. 欲壑难填 (yù hè nán tián)
Meaning: An idiom meaning 'desires are hard to fill,' or 'insatiable greed.' It describes a state where one's desires are like a bottomless pit.
Usage: '他的欲壑难填,永远不满足。' (Tā de yù hè nán tián, yǒngyuǎn bù mǎnzú.) - 'His desires are insatiable; he is never satisfied.' This is a more vivid and descriptive way to talk about extreme greed.
3. 占有欲强 (zhànyǒu yù qiáng)
Meaning: Strong possessiveness. While not directly 'greedy,' a strong possessive desire can manifest as greed, wanting to own and control things.
Usage: '她对他的爱占有欲强,不希望他和其他女人说话。' (Tā duì tā de ài zhànyǒu yù qiáng, bù xīwàng tā hé qítā nǚrén shuōhuà.) - 'Her possessiveness over his love is strong; she doesn't want him talking to other women.' This is more about wanting to 'own' someone or something.
4. 唯利是图 (wéi lì shì tú)
Meaning: An idiom meaning 'to seek profit only,' or 'to be mercenary.' This describes someone whose primary motivation is financial gain, often disregarding ethics or relationships.
Usage: '他是个唯利是图的人,合作要小心。' (Tā shì ge wéi lì shì tú de rén, hézuò yào xiǎoxīn.) - 'He is a mercenary person; be careful when cooperating.' This focuses on the motivation behind actions.
5. 吝啬 (lìnsè)
Meaning: Stingy, miserly. This is related to greed but focuses on the unwillingness to spend or give money, rather than the desire to acquire more.
Usage: '他非常吝啬,一分钱也不愿意花。' (Tā fēicháng lìnsè, yī fēn qián yě bù yuànyì huā.) - 'He is very stingy; he's unwilling to spend even a cent.' This is the opposite of being generous.

Antonyms:

1. 知足 (zhīzú)
Meaning: Content, satisfied with what one has. This is the direct opposite of being greedy.
Usage: '我们要学会知足常乐。' (Wǒmen yào xuéhuì zhīzú cháng lè.) - 'We must learn to be content and happy.' This promotes a healthy attitude towards one's possessions and life.
2. 慷慨 (kāngkǎi)
Meaning: Generous, magnanimous. This describes someone who is willing to give freely, the opposite of hoarding or wanting more for oneself.
Usage: '他是一位慷慨的捐赠者。' (Tā shì yī wèi kāngkǎi de juānzèng zhě.) - 'He is a generous donor.' This highlights altruism and willingness to share.
3. 大方 (dàfāng)
Meaning: Generous, not petty. Similar to 慷慨, but can also refer to being open-handed or not frugal to an extreme. It can also mean 'natural and poised' in demeanor, but in the context of desire, it means generous.
Usage: '她送了我一个很大方的礼物。' (Tā sòng le wǒ yī ge hěn dàfāng de lǐwù.) - 'She gave me a very generous gift.' This describes the quality of the gift or the giver.

Choosing the right word depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey. 贪心 is the most common and versatile term for general greed.

چقدر رسمی است؟

نکته جالب

The character 贪 (tān) itself is composed of the radical 贝 (bèi), which represents shells (an ancient form of currency), and a phonetic component. This etymology visually links the concept of greed to the desire for wealth. The character 心 (xīn) visually resembles a heart.

راهنمای تلفظ

UK /tʰɑn⁵⁵ ɕin³⁵/
US /tʰɑn²¹⁴ ɕin³⁵/
Tones are more important than stress in Mandarin Chinese. The word has two distinct tones: the first syllable (贪) is a high-falling tone (55 or 35 depending on context and speaker), and the second syllable (心) is a high-level tone (35 or 55).
هم‌قافیه با
inyin shēn qīn xīn jīn pīn rén gēn
خطاهای رایج
  • Pronouncing 'x' as 's' or 'k'.
  • Incorrect tone for either syllable, which can change the meaning.
  • Not aspirating the initial 't' sound.
  • Pronouncing the 'n' sound too much like English 'n' instead of a pure nasal.

سطح دشواری

خواندن 2/5

The word itself is simple to recognize and its core meaning is direct. However, understanding its nuances and common idiomatic expressions requires more exposure.

نوشتن 2/5

Easy to use in basic sentences, but mastering its application in varied contexts and avoiding common mistakes requires practice.

صحبت کردن 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward for learners once the tones are understood. Using it naturally in conversation is key.

گوش دادن 2/5

The word is common and its meaning is usually clear from context. Recognizing its negative connotation is important.

بعداً چه یاد بگیریم؟

پیش‌نیازها

人 (rén - person) 要 (yào - want) 多 (duō - more) 钱 (qián - money) 东西 (dōngxi - thing)

بعداً یاد بگیرید

知足 (zhīzú - content) 慷慨 (kāngkǎi - generous) 贪婪 (tānlán - greedy, formal) 欲壑难填 (yù hè nán tián - insatiable desire)

پیشرفته

道德 (dàodé - morality) 伦理 (lúnlǐ - ethics) 腐败 (fǔbài - corruption) 物质主义 (wùzhí zhǔyì - materialism)

گرامر لازم

Using adjectives predicatively (after the subject).

贪心。(He is greedy.)

Using adjectives to modify nouns with 的 (de).

贪心的人。(A greedy person.)

Using 很 (hěn) for emphasis or with certain adjectives.

很贪心。(He is very greedy.)

Using 太 (tài)...了 (le) to express 'too much'.

太贪心了。(He is too greedy.)

Imperative sentences with 别 (bié) or 不要 (búyào).

不要贪心。(Don't be greedy.)

مثال‌ها بر اساس سطح

1

他很贪心。

He is very greedy.

Subject + (很) + 贪心.

2

不要贪心。

Don't be greedy.

Imperative + 贪心.

3

孩子贪心。

The child is greedy.

Subject + 贪心.

4

贪心不好。

Greed is not good.

贪心 + (副词) + 形容词.

5

他想要更多。

He wants more.

Subject + Verb + 更多.

6

她很想要。

She wants it very much.

Subject + 很 + 想要.

7

这个太少了。

This is too little.

This + Adjective + Too + 少.

8

他想要全部。

He wants all of it.

Subject + 想要 + 全部.

1

这个商人太贪心了,总是想赚更多的钱。

This businessman is too greedy, always wanting to make more money.

Subject + 太 + 贪心 + 了, always wanting more money.

2

不要对食物太贪心,够吃就好。

Don't be too greedy with food; enough to eat is good.

Don't be too greedy with + Noun, enough to eat is good.

3

他是一个贪心的人,什么都想要。

He is a greedy person; he wants everything.

He is a + 贪心 + person, wants everything.

4

孩子们玩游戏时常常会贪心。

Children are often greedy when playing games.

Children + often + 贪心 + when playing games.

5

她的贪心让她失去了朋友。

Her greed made her lose friends.

Her + 贪心 + made her lose friends.

6

我们应该知足,不要贪心。

We should be content and not greedy.

We should be content, don't be greedy.

7

这种贪心会带来坏结果。

This kind of greed will bring bad results.

This kind of + 贪心 + will bring bad results.

8

他贪心不足,总想得到更多。

He is insatiably greedy and always wants to get more.

He is insatiably greedy, always wants to get more.

1

他对待金钱的态度非常贪心。

His attitude towards money is very greedy.

His attitude towards money is very greedy.

2

这种贪婪的行为最终会导致失败。

This kind of greedy behavior will ultimately lead to failure.

This kind of greedy behavior will ultimately lead to failure.

3

她对权力有着难以抑制的贪心。

She has an uncontrollable greed for power.

She has an uncontrollable greed for power.

4

不要因为贪心而做出不明智的决定。

Don't make unwise decisions out of greed.

Don't make unwise decisions out of greed.

5

他的贪心让他忽视了身边的人。

His greed made him ignore the people around him.

His greed made him ignore the people around him.

6

许多故事都告诫人们不要贪心。

Many stories warn people not to be greedy.

Many stories warn people not to be greedy.

7

这种贪心的想法迟早会带来麻烦。

This greedy mindset will sooner or later bring trouble.

This greedy mindset will sooner or later bring trouble.

8

他贪心不足,总是追求更多。

He is insatiably greedy and always pursues more.

He is insatiably greedy and always pursues more.

1

企业过度追求利润是一种贪心的表现。

Businesses excessively pursuing profit is a manifestation of greed.

Businesses excessively pursuing profit is a manifestation of greed.

2

政治人物的贪心往往会引发公众的强烈不满。

The greed of politicians often provokes strong public dissatisfaction.

The greed of politicians often provokes strong public dissatisfaction.

3

我们必须警惕那些唯利是图、贪得无厌的人。

We must be wary of those who are mercenary and insatiably greedy.

We must be wary of those who are mercenary and insatiably greedy.

4

这种贪婪的扩张最终导致了资源的枯竭。

This greedy expansion ultimately led to resource depletion.

This greedy expansion ultimately led to resource depletion.

5

他因贪心而卷入了经济丑闻。

He got involved in an economic scandal due to his greed.

He got involved in an economic scandal due to his greed.

6

人性的贪心是需要被约束和引导的。

Human greed needs to be restrained and guided.

Human greed needs to be restrained and guided.

7

社会问题常常源于个体的贪心和自私。

Social problems often stem from individual greed and selfishness.

Social problems often stem from individual greed and selfishness.

8

他总是贪得无厌,永不满足。

He is always insatiably greedy and never satisfied.

He is always insatiably greedy and never satisfied.

1

这种无止境的物质追求暴露了其深层的贪心。

This endless pursuit of material possessions exposes his deep-seated greed.

This endless pursuit of material possessions exposes his deep-seated greed.

2

对权力的贪婪驱使着他做出种种不道德的行为。

The avarice for power drives him to commit all sorts of immoral acts.

The avarice for power drives him to commit all sorts of immoral acts.

3

在资本主义的语境下,适度的追求利益是正常的,但过度则沦为贪心。

In the context of capitalism, a moderate pursuit of profit is normal, but excess degenerates into greed.

In the context of capitalism, a moderate pursuit of profit is normal, but excess degenerates into greed.

4

他试图通过欺诈手段满足自己贪得无厌的欲望。

He tried to satisfy his insatiable desires through fraudulent means.

He tried to satisfy his insatiable desires through fraudulent means.

5

历史充斥着因贪婪而引发的战争和冲突。

History is replete with wars and conflicts triggered by greed.

History is replete with wars and conflicts triggered by greed.

6

我们必须审视自己内心的贪心,并学会克制。

We must examine our inner greed and learn to restrain it.

We must examine our inner greed and learn to restrain it.

7

这种对资源的贪婪掠夺对环境造成了不可逆转的损害。

This greedy plundering of resources has caused irreversible damage to the environment.

This greedy plundering of resources has caused irreversible damage to the environment.

8

他看似慷慨,实则内心贪婪。

He appears generous, but in reality, his heart is greedy.

He appears generous, but in reality, his heart is greedy.

1

人性的弱点之一便是对物质的贪婪,它如影随形,难以摆脱。

One of human weaknesses is the greed for material possessions, which follows like a shadow and is hard to escape.

One of human weaknesses is the greed for material possessions, which follows like a shadow and is hard to escape.

2

那些沉溺于贪婪之中的个体,往往会走向自我毁灭的深渊。

Those individuals who indulge in greed often head towards the abyss of self-destruction.

Those individuals who indulge in greed often head towards the abyss of self-destruction.

3

社会的繁荣不应建立在对资源的无度贪婪之上。

Societal prosperity should not be built upon the boundless greed for resources.

Societal prosperity should not be built upon the boundless greed for resources.

4

他试图以一种近乎狡猾的方式掩饰其根深蒂固的贪婪。

He attempted to mask his deep-rooted greed in an almost cunning manner.

He attempted to mask his deep-rooted greed in an almost cunning manner.

5

历史的教训警示我们,贪婪是动乱的温床。

The lessons of history warn us that greed is a breeding ground for turmoil.

The lessons of history warn us that greed is a breeding ground for turmoil.

6

这种对财富的永无止境的渴求,正是贪婪的本质。

This never-ending craving for wealth is precisely the essence of greed.

This never-ending craving for wealth is precisely the essence of greed.

7

我们必须警惕那些披着合法外衣的贪婪行为。

We must be vigilant against acts of greed cloaked in legitimacy.

We must be vigilant against acts of greed cloaked in legitimacy.

8

一个社会若纵容贪婪,最终必将走向衰败。

If a society tolerates greed, it will ultimately head towards decline.

If a society tolerates greed, it will ultimately head towards decline.

ترکیب‌های رایج

太贪心了
贪心的人
不要贪心
贪心的结果
贪心不足
贪心鬼
贪心的想法
贪心程度
贪心惹的祸
贪心的表现

عبارات رایج

贪心不足蛇吞象

— An idiom meaning 'insatiably greedy,' comparing someone's greed to a snake trying to swallow an elephant, implying a desire for impossibly large gains.

他总是想赚更多的钱,真是贪心不足蛇吞象。

贪心鬼

— Literally 'greedy ghost,' this is an informal and often derogatory term for a greedy person.

小心那个贪心鬼,他什么都想占为己有。

贪心是万恶之源

— Greed is the root of all evil. This is a moral statement emphasizing the destructive nature of greed.

许多人都认为贪心是万恶之源,应该加以警惕。

贪心惹的祸

— Trouble caused by greed. This phrase directly links greed to negative consequences.

他因为贪心惹的祸,现在什么都没有了。

贪心不足

— Not satisfied with greed; insatiable. This phrase highlights the endless nature of greedy desires.

贪心不足的人永远不会快乐。

别太贪心

— Don't be too greedy. This is a common piece of advice given to discourage excessive desire.

别太贪心,够用就好。

贪心的念头

— Greedy thoughts or intentions. This refers to the internal desire for more.

他努力压制自己贪心的念头。

贪心的代价

— The price of greed. This refers to the negative consequences one faces due to their greed.

他最终付出了贪心的代价。

贪心的本性

— The inherent nature of greed. This suggests that greed is a fundamental part of human nature for some.

有人说贪心的本性是难以改变的。

贪心的表现

— A manifestation or sign of greed. This refers to observable behaviors that indicate greed.

过度囤积商品是贪心的表现。

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贪心 vs 贪婪 (tānlán)

贪心 is more common in everyday speech and is a general adjective. 贪婪 is more formal, literary, and often implies a deeper, more intense greed, sometimes used as a noun (greed).

贪心 vs 吝啬 (lìnsè)

贪心 is about wanting more. 吝啬 is about not wanting to spend or give what one already has. They are related but distinct concepts.

贪心 vs 知足 (zhīzú)

This is an antonym. 知足 means content and satisfied, the opposite of being 贪心.

اصطلاحات و عبارات

"贪心不足蛇吞象"

— This idiom literally translates to 'a greedy snake trying to swallow an elephant.' It describes someone who is insatiably greedy and desires things far beyond their capacity or reasonable needs, often leading to their downfall.

他总是想买更大的房子、更贵的车,真是贪心不足蛇吞象。

Commonly used, often in cautionary tales or moral discussions.
"欲壑难填"

— This idiom translates to 'the pit of desire is hard to fill.' It describes a person whose desires are endless and cannot be satisfied, no matter how much they get.

她的欲壑难填,永远不会满足于现状。

Literary and formal, used to describe extreme dissatisfaction and desire.
"贪得无厌"

— This phrase means 'greedy and never satisfied.' It's a strong descriptor for someone who constantly wants more and is never content with what they have.

他贪得无厌,最终因为欺诈而被捕。

Commonly used, carries a strong negative connotation.
"唯利是图"

— This idiom means 'to seek profit only' or 'to be mercenary.' It describes someone whose primary motivation is financial gain, often disregarding ethics or relationships.

他是个唯利是图的人,和他做生意要格外小心。

Used to criticize someone's character and motivations.
"贪小便宜吃大亏"

— This proverb means 'trying to gain small advantages leads to big losses.' It warns that being greedy for small things can result in significant harm.

他为了省一点钱而买劣质产品,结果贪小便宜吃大亏。

Common proverb, often used as advice.
"人心不足蛇吞象"

— A variant of '贪心不足蛇吞象,' this emphasizes that it is 'human hearts' that are insatiably greedy.

人心不足蛇吞象,我们应该学会知足。

Similar to '贪心不足蛇吞象,' very common.
"贪官"

— Literally 'greedy official,' this refers to a corrupt official who abuses their power for personal gain.

反腐运动打击了很多贪官。

Common term in news and discussions about corruption.
"贪财"

— To be greedy for money; avaricious. This is a direct description of someone who loves money excessively.

他贪财的性格让他失去了很多朋友。

Commonly used adjective or verb.
"贪名"

— Greedy for fame; seeking notoriety. This describes an excessive desire for reputation or recognition.

一些艺人贪名,不惜炒作自己。

Describes a specific type of desire.
"贪图享乐"

— To indulge in pleasure; to be fond of luxury and ease. This describes a greedy desire for a life of comfort and enjoyment.

他贪图享乐,不愿意努力工作。

Describes a lifestyle choice driven by desire.

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贪心 vs 贪婪

Both mean 'greedy' and describe an excessive desire.

<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>贪心</mark> (tānxīn) is the common, everyday adjective for 'greedy.' 贪婪 (tānlán) is more formal, literary, and can also function as a noun meaning 'greed.' You might use 贪婪 in written contexts or when discussing serious vices, while <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>贪心</mark> is used in general conversation.

他<strong>贪心</strong>地想要所有糖果。(He greedily wants all the candy - common usage). 他的<strong>贪婪</strong>令人震惊。(His greed is shocking - more formal/literary).

贪心 vs 吝啬

Both relate to money and possessions, and can be seen as negative traits.

<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>贪心</mark> (tānxīn) means wanting *more* than one has. 吝啬 (lìnsè) means being unwilling to spend or give money or possessions that one *already has*. You can be <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>贪心</mark> but not necessarily 吝啬 (e.g., wanting to buy more things), or 吝啬 but not necessarily <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>贪心</mark> (e.g., having enough but refusing to share).

他<strong>贪心</strong>,总想买最新的手机。(He's greedy, always wanting to buy the newest phone). 他很<strong>吝啬</strong>,从不请客。(He's stingy, never treating others.)

贪心 vs 知足

It's the direct opposite concept.

<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>贪心</mark> (tānxīn) describes an excessive desire for more. 知足 (zhīzú) means being content and satisfied with what one has. They are antonyms, and understanding one helps define the other.

<strong>贪心</strong>的人永远不快乐,而<strong>知足</strong>的人容易满足。(Greedy people are never happy, while content people are easily satisfied.)

贪心 vs 欲望 (yùwàng)

Both relate to desire.

欲望 (yùwàng) is a general term for 'desire,' 'wish,' or 'appetite.' It can be neutral or positive. <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>贪心</mark> (tānxīn) specifically describes an *excessive, greedy* desire, carrying a negative connotation.

他对成功的<strong>欲望</strong>很强。(His desire for success is strong - neutral). 他对金钱的<strong>贪心</strong>太重了。(His greed for money is too heavy - negative.)

贪心 vs 觊觎 (jìyú)

Both imply wanting something that belongs to others or is beyond one's reach.

觊觎 (jìyú) means to covet or cast a longing eye on something, often something that belongs to someone else or is in a higher position. It's more about secretly desiring something. <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>贪心</mark> (tānxīn) is a broader term for general greed and avarice, not necessarily secret or focused on specific items belonging to others.

他<strong>觊觎</strong>那个职位很久了。(He has long coveted that position - implies secret longing). 他<strong>贪心</strong>,想要所有人的职位。(He is greedy, wanting everyone's position - implies broad avarice.)

الگوهای جمله‌سازی

A1

Subject + 贪心

他<strong>贪心</strong>。

A1

不要 + 贪心

<strong>不要贪心</strong>。

A2

Subject + 太 + 贪心 + 了

这个孩子<strong>太贪心了</strong>。

A2

贪心 + 的 + Noun

一个<strong>贪心的人</strong>。

B1

Subject + 对 + Noun + 贪心

她<strong>对金钱贪心</strong>。

B1

因为 + 贪心 + Result

他<strong>因为贪心</strong>而失败了。

B2

这种 + 贪心 + 的 + Noun

这种<strong>贪心的想法</strong>会带来麻烦。

B2

Subject + 贪心 + 的 + Verb (adverbial)

他<strong>贪心</strong>地想要更多。

خانواده کلمه

صفت‌ها

贪心

مرتبط

贪婪
贪污
贪吃
贪图
贪心不足

نحوه استفاده

frequency

High

اشتباهات رایج
  • Using '贪心' for normal desire or ambition. Use '贪心' only for excessive, inappropriate, or selfish desire.

    <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>贪心</mark> carries a strong negative connotation. Normal ambition or wanting things should not be labeled as <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>贪心</mark>.

  • Confusing '贪心' (greedy) with '吝啬' (stingy). '贪心' is wanting more; '吝啬' is not wanting to spend/give.

    <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>贪心</mark> is about acquisition, while 吝啬 is about retention. They are different concepts.

  • Overusing '很' (hěn) when '贪心' is used predicatively. Often omit '很' in neutral statements: '他贪心' is more common than '他很贪心'.

    While '很' can add emphasis, omitting it is more natural for simple descriptive statements in Chinese.

  • Translating 'greedily' directly as '贪心' before a verb. Use the adverbial form '贪心地' (tānxīn de) or structure the sentence differently.

    <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>贪心</mark> is primarily an adjective. While sometimes used adverbially in speech, '贪心地' is grammatically more precise for modifying verbs.

  • Using '贪心' as a noun without proper structure. Use phrases like '贪心的人' or '贪心的结果' or the formal noun '贪婪'.

    While '贪心' is an adjective, its noun form isn't used directly. You need to use '的' + noun or more formal terms.

نکات

Negative Connotation

贪心 is a negative adjective. It's used to criticize or describe a vice, not a neutral trait. Be mindful of this when using it.

Adjective Placement

As an adjective, 贪心 can be used predicatively (e.g., '他贪心') or to modify a noun with '的' (e.g., '贪心的人').

Common Collocations

Learning common phrases like '太贪心了' (too greedy), '不要贪心' (don't be greedy), and '贪心不足' (insatiably greedy) will help you use the word more naturally.

Tones Matter

Mandarin Chinese is tonal. Pay close attention to the tones of 贪 (tān) and 心 (xīn) to pronounce them correctly: tānxīn.

Cultural Context

In Chinese culture, 贪心 is often contrasted with virtues like contentment (知足) and generosity (慷慨).

Visual Mnemonic

Imagine a tan-colored heart (心) that is always trying to grab more shiny objects. The tan color hints at 贪, and the heart signifies 心.

Contextual Practice

Try to use 贪心 in sentences describing different scenarios – from a child wanting toys to a critique of corporate behavior.

Related Terms

Learn formal synonyms like 贪婪 (tānlán) and related idioms like 欲壑难填 (yù hè nán tián) to expand your vocabulary.

Opposite Meanings

Understanding antonyms like 知足 (zhīzú - content) and 慷慨 (kāngkǎi - generous) helps solidify the meaning of 贪心.

Conversation Use

When discussing character flaws, moral issues, or societal problems, 贪心 is a useful term to express disapproval of excessive desire.

حفظ کنید

روش یادسپاری

Think of a 'tan' colored bag (贪) that is always 'xin' (心)g for more money. The tan bag is never full! Or, imagine someone with a 'tan' complexion who is always 'shin'ing (心) with greed.

تداعی تصویری

Picture a heart (心) overflowing with gold coins, with the character 贪 written on it. The character 贪 itself looks like a bag (贝 - shell currency) with something inside, suggesting accumulation.

شبکه واژگان

Greedy Excessive Desire Money, Possessions, Power Selfishness Contentment Generosity 贪婪 (tānlán) 欲壑难填 (yù hè nán tián) Negative Connotation

چالش

Try to describe three situations in your life where someone might be considered '贪心,' using the word in a full sentence for each.

ریشه کلمه

The word 贪心 is a compound word formed from two characters: 贪 (tān) and 心 (xīn). The character 贪 (tān) has ancient origins, appearing in oracle bone script, and has consistently meant 'to covet' or 'to desire greedily.' The character 心 (xīn) means 'heart' or 'mind,' and is frequently used in Chinese to denote a person's inner feelings, desires, or state of mind. The combination directly signifies a 'greedy heart' or 'greedy mind.'

معنای اصلی: Greedy heart/mind.

Sino-Tibetan

بافت فرهنگی

The term 贪心 is a negative descriptor and should be used with care when referring to individuals. It implies a moral failing.

In English-speaking cultures, greed is also a recognized vice, often depicted in literature and fables (e.g., King Midas, 'The Monkey's Paw'). The value of contentment and the dangers of avarice are common themes.

The idiom '贪心不足蛇吞象' (tānxīn bùzú shé tūn xiàng) is a famous cautionary tale about insatiable greed. Traditional Chinese fables often feature characters who suffer consequences due to their greed, serving as moral lessons. Discussions of historical corruption in China frequently use terms like '贪官' (tānguān - greedy official).

تمرین در زندگی واقعی

موقعیت‌های واقعی

Discussing personal character and morality.

  • 他太贪心了。
  • 不要贪心。
  • 贪心不好。

Critiquing business practices or economic behavior.

  • 商人的贪心。
  • 过度追求利润是贪心的表现。
  • 唯利是图。

Teaching children about sharing and fairness.

  • 别太贪心。
  • 要分享。
  • 够吃就好。

Talking about corruption or dishonesty.

  • 贪官。
  • 贪污腐败。
  • 贪心惹的祸。

Giving advice or warnings.

  • 贪心不足蛇吞象。
  • 人心不足。
  • 学会知足。

شروع‌کننده‌های مکالمه

"Have you ever seen someone act really greedy? What happened?"

"What's something people are often greedy for in your country?"

"Is it bad to want more? Where do you draw the line between ambition and greed?"

"What are the consequences of being too greedy?"

"How can we teach children not to be greedy?"

موضوعات نگارش

Reflect on a time you felt greedy. What did you want, and how did you feel afterward?

Describe a character from a book or movie who was very greedy. What lessons can we learn from them?

What does 'contentment' mean to you? How can you practice being more content in your daily life?

Think about a situation where someone's greed negatively affected others. How did it impact them?

How does the pursuit of wealth or success sometimes lead to greed? Discuss your thoughts.

سوالات متداول

10 سوال

Yes, 贪心 is almost always used with a negative connotation. It describes an excessive, often selfish, and inappropriate desire for more than one needs or deserves. While ambition is generally positive, 贪心 goes beyond healthy ambition into the realm of vice.

Absolutely. While often associated with money and possessions, 贪心 can describe an excessive desire for anything, including power, fame, attention, or even knowledge. For example, '他对权力的贪心' (tā duì quánlì de tānxīn) means 'his greed for power.'

贪心 (tānxīn) is the more common, everyday adjective used in spoken Chinese for 'greedy.' 贪婪 (tānlán) is more formal and literary; it can be used as an adjective or a noun ('greed') and often implies a deeper, more intense, or insatiable avarice. For general conversation, 贪心 is usually preferred.

You can say '贪心的人' (tānxīn de rén), which literally means 'greedy person.' Informally, you might also hear '贪心鬼' (tānxīn guǐ), which translates to 'greedy ghost' and is a more colloquial, sometimes humorous or critical, term for a greedy individual.

You can use '很' (hěn) to add emphasis, meaning 'very greedy.' For example, '他很贪心.' However, when 贪心 is used predicatively (describing the subject directly without modifying a noun), '很' is often omitted in neutral statements, making it sound more natural. For instance, '他贪心' is very common. Using '太...了' (tài...le) like '他太贪心了' (He is too greedy) is also very common and emphasizes excess.

Yes, Chinese culture has many proverbs warning against greed. Famous ones include '贪心不足蛇吞象' (tānxīn bùzú shé tūn xiàng - insatiably greedy, like a snake trying to swallow an elephant) and '人心不足蛇吞象' (rénxīn bùzú shé tūn xiàng - human hearts are insatiably greedy). These emphasize the disastrous consequences of unchecked avarice.

The most direct opposite of 贪心 (greedy) is '知足' (zhīzú), which means content or satisfied with what one has. Other related antonyms include '慷慨' (kāngkǎi - generous) and '大方' (dàfāng - generous, open-handed).

In news, 贪心 is often used to describe corrupt officials ('贪官' - tānguān), unethical business practices, or the motivation behind economic crimes. It's a key term in discussions about social justice and accountability.

Yes, it can. If someone eats excessively or always wants more food than they need, they might be described as 贪心 regarding food. The related term '贪吃' (tānchī) specifically means 'gluttonous' or 'to eat greedily.'

Directly calling someone 贪心 is usually critical. To be more polite, you might phrase it as advice, like '或许我们应该知足' (Perhaps we should be content) or '够用就好' (Enough is good), rather than directly labeling their behavior as 贪心.

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