Greed is an excessive and insatiable desire, often leading to negative actions.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Excessive and insatiable desire for wealth or power.
- Often implies negative consequences and unethical behavior.
- A strong, negative character trait.
Overview
贪婪（tān lán）是一个形容词性名词，用来描述一种强烈的、永不满足的欲望，尤其是在物质财富、权力或利益方面。这种欲望往往超过了正常的需要，甚至可能导致不道德或非法的行为。在中文语境中，‘贪婪’通常带有贬义，暗示着一种负面的品质。
‘贪婪’可以单独使用，也可以与‘之心’、‘的欲望’等词语搭配，构成‘贪婪之心’、‘贪婪的欲望’等固定搭配。它还可以作为形容词，修饰名词，如‘贪婪的投资者’、‘贪婪的目光’。
这个词经常出现在描述社会现象、人物性格、经济活动以及寓言故事中。例如，在讨论贫富差距时，可能会提到某些人的‘贪婪’导致了资源的过度集中；在描写反派角色时，‘贪婪’是其重要的性格特征；在经济学中，‘贪婪’有时也被看作是驱动市场行为的因素之一，但通常是指过度的、有害的贪婪。
‘求财’是指追求财富，本身是中性词，可以指正当的营生。而‘贪婪’则包含了对财富过度的、不健康的追求。
‘贪心’比‘贪婪’的程度要轻一些，更侧重于‘想要’，不一定有‘不择手段’的含义。‘贪婪’则更强调欲望的强烈和难以满足，以及可能伴随的不良行为。
Examples
这个故事讲述了一个因贪婪而最终毁灭的国王。
everydayThis story tells of a king who was ultimately ruined by his greed.
在资本主义早期，一些经济学家认为适度的贪婪是推动经济增长的必要动力。
academicIn early capitalism, some economists argued that moderate greed was a necessary driver of economic growth.
别那么贪婪，分点儿吃的给别人吧！
informalDon't be so greedy, share some food with others!
他那贪婪的眼神暴露了他内心的欲望。
literaryHis greedy eyes revealed his inner desires.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
贪婪是万恶之源
Greed is the root of all evil
贪婪的恶魔
The demon of greed
永不满足的贪婪
Insatiable greed
Often Confused With
'贪心' is generally a milder term for 'wanting more', while '贪婪' implies a deeper, often insatiable craving that can lead to negative actions.
'野心' refers to ambition, often for power or success, which can be neutral or positive. '贪婪' specifically focuses on excessive desire for possessions, wealth, or power, usually with negative connotations.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term '贪婪' is predominantly used in negative contexts to describe excessive desire. It's important to distinguish it from healthy ambition or the pursuit of legitimate goals. While it can appear in academic discussions (e.g., economics), its core meaning remains tied to an unhealthy level of wanting.
Common Mistakes
Learners might mistakenly use '贪婪' to describe strong, positive desires like ambition for knowledge or career success. It's crucial to remember its negative connotation related to material gain, power, or excessive wanting.
Tips
Understand the Negative Connotation
Remember that '贪婪' primarily carries a negative meaning, implying excessive and often harmful desire.
Distinguish from Healthy Ambition
Be careful not to confuse '贪婪' with healthy ambition or the drive to succeed, which are generally viewed positively.
Moral Implications in Chinese Culture
In traditional Chinese culture and ethics, excessive greed is often seen as a moral failing that can lead to personal ruin and social disharmony.
Word Origin
The character 贪 (tān) originally depicted a person biting into something excessively. 婪 (lán) similarly conveys a sense of intense desire and avarice. Together, they strongly represent an insatiable craving.
Cultural Context
Greed is often portrayed as a significant character flaw in Chinese literature and folklore, frequently leading to downfall. It contrasts with virtues like contentment (知足) and generosity (慷慨).
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'greedy' person trying to 'climb' (攀) over others to get more, feeling 'languid' (婪) because they can never get enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“贪婪”的欲望程度更深，强调永不满足和可能采取的不道德手段。“贪心”则相对较轻，更多表示“想要得到”的心理，不一定伴随负面行为。
在大多数情况下，“贪婪”被视为负面品质，因为它暗示着过度的、不健康的欲望。但在某些经济学理论中，适度的“贪婪”有时也被视为市场发展的驱动力，但这通常是指一种追求利益的动力，而非不择手段。
有的，比如“欲壑难填”，意思是欲望像深谷一样无法填满，非常形象地描绘了贪婪的状态。还有“唯利是图”，指一心只想着谋取利益，也与贪婪有关。
通常不这样用。“贪婪”主要用于物质、财富或权力。对知识的强烈渴望一般会用“渴望”、“渴求”或“孜孜不倦”等词来形容，带有更积极的含义。
Test Yourself
他因为_________而走上了犯罪的道路。
句意是指因为一种负面特质导致犯罪，‘贪婪’最符合语境。
“贪婪”最准确的含义是什么？
‘贪婪’的核心是过度的、无法满足的欲望，尤其指向物质和权力。
请将以下词语组成一个描述负面行为的句子：贪婪，商人，利润，不择手段
选项b清晰地将‘贪婪’、‘不择手段’和‘追求利润’联系起来，构成了一个符合题意的负面描述。
Score: /3
Summary
Greed is an excessive and insatiable desire, often leading to negative actions.
- Excessive and insatiable desire for wealth or power.
- Often implies negative consequences and unethical behavior.
- A strong, negative character trait.
Understand the Negative Connotation
Remember that '贪婪' primarily carries a negative meaning, implying excessive and often harmful desire.
Distinguish from Healthy Ambition
Be careful not to confuse '贪婪' with healthy ambition or the drive to succeed, which are generally viewed positively.
Moral Implications in Chinese Culture
In traditional Chinese culture and ethics, excessive greed is often seen as a moral failing that can lead to personal ruin and social disharmony.
Examples
4 of 4这个故事讲述了一个因贪婪而最终毁灭的国王。
This story tells of a king who was ultimately ruined by his greed.
在资本主义早期，一些经济学家认为适度的贪婪是推动经济增长的必要动力。
In early capitalism, some economists argued that moderate greed was a necessary driver of economic growth.
别那么贪婪，分点儿吃的给别人吧！
Don't be so greedy, share some food with others!
他那贪婪的眼神暴露了他内心的欲望。
His greedy eyes revealed his inner desires.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More daily_life words
朝九晚五
B2From nine to five; regular working hours.
废弃
B2To abandon; to discard; to cease to use.
恪守
B2To scrupulously observe; to strictly adhere to.
未免
B2Rather; a bit too; truly (implies something excessive).
反常
B2abnormal, unusual
充裕
B2Abundant; ample.
充沛
B2Abundant; plentiful; full of energy.
门禁卡
B2Access card; entry card.
门禁
B2Access control (system).
配件
B2Fittings; accessories; spare parts.
