taam1 wu1 sau6 kui2貪污受賄贪污受贿
Jyutpingtaam1 wu1 sau6 kui2
Yaletāam wū sauh kúi
Definition
To commit corruption and accept bribes.
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How it's used
This is a formal, legalistic compound often used in news reports or official government statements. While it is understood by everyone, you will rarely hear it in casual, everyday conversation unless discussing politics or crime. It carries a heavy, negative tone associated with institutional dishonesty.
Examples
He was arrested for corruption and bribery.
Corruption and bribery are very serious crimes.
Related words
Common phrases
involved in corruption and bribery
combat corruption and bribery
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a casual way to describe someone being greedy, but it specifically refers to illegal activities involving public office or professional positions. Do not use it to describe a friend who is just being stingy or wanting too much food.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
