taam1 fu6貪腐贪腐
Jyutpingtaam1 fu6
Yaletāam fuh
Definition
Corruption; embezzlement and decay.
neutralworkmoney
How it's used
Refers specifically to systemic or institutional dishonesty rather than just a single act of bribery. While it sounds formal, it is frequently used in news reports and serious discussions about public integrity. It carries a heavier weight than simply saying someone is greedy or dishonest.
Examples
The corruption problem in this company is very serious.
How is the government fighting corruption?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 貪心, which describes a personal character trait of being greedy. 貪腐 implies an abuse of power or position for illicit gain, whereas 貪心 is just wanting more than one needs.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
