About
The character for greed, "贪", derives from its traditional form "貪", structured with the component "今" above "貝", where "貝" represents shell currency or valuables and semantically links to wealth while "今" likely functions as a phonetic element. This composition has historically conveyed the sense of covetousness or an excessive desire for material possessions. In its simplified iteration, "貝" is condensed to "贝", yet the character's essential relationship between form and meaning continues to emphasize avarice. While the primary meaning has consistently centered on insatiable want for riches, its usage has broadened to describe intense craving in non-material contexts, reflecting a semantic extension from its original economic focus.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
贪吃是不好的。
他总是贪图享受。
贪污是犯罪行为。
他因为贪婪而失败。
他贪小便宜吃了亏。
政府严厉打击贪污腐败。
如果一个人太贪心，就会失去朋友。
贪婪的欲望驱使他不择手段地追求财富。