pau4 lim5裒斂裒敛
Jyutpingpau4 lim5
Yalepàuh líhm
Definition
To plunder, exploit, or accumulate wealth by extortion.
writtenmoneypeople
How it's used
This term carries a strong negative connotation of greed and systemic abuse of power. It is rarely used in casual daily conversation and appears more frequently in formal writing, news reports, or historical contexts describing corrupt regimes. It specifically implies the act of gathering wealth through unfair or oppressive methods rather than simple theft.
Examples
That corrupt official is always extorting wealth from the people.
They used every possible means to plunder, it is really excessive.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with general words for collecting or gathering like 收集, but 裒斂 is strictly reserved for illicit or exploitative accumulation of wealth.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
