taam1 zong1貪贓贪赃
Jyutpingtaam1 zong1
Yaletāam jōng
Definition
To take bribes; to accept bribes.
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How it's used
Focuses specifically on the corrupt act of taking money or goods in exchange for abusing one's official power. It carries a formal and serious tone, often appearing in news reports or legal contexts rather than casual conversation. The term implies a moral failing and is almost exclusively associated with public office or positions of trust.
Examples
As an official, he actually accepted bribes and broke the law.
The act of accepting bribes is really unacceptable.
Related words
Common phrases
to accept bribes and pervert the law
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with general stealing or theft, but it specifically requires the element of bribery or corruption linked to an official duty. It is not used for petty crimes like shoplifting.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Particle
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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.
