Definition

1. Verb (colloquial, often derogatory):
   • To sponge off someone / to mooch: To deliberately follow or accompany someone with the primary intention of having them pay for one's expenses, such as meals, drinks, or entertainment, without intending to contribute.
   • To freeload: To take advantage of another person's generosity or resources by letting them cover costs consistently.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Hắn ta không có tiền, suốt ngày chỉ biết che tàn bạn bè. (He has no money; all he does is sponge off his friends.)
  • Đừng để họ che tàn mình trong mọi bữa ăn. (Don't let them mooch off you for every meal.)
  • Anh ấy bị ghét vì thói quen che tàn người khác. (He is disliked for his habit of freeloading off others.)

Advanced Usage

• The term implies a sense of exploitation and a lack of reciprocity. It is often used in social contexts to criticize someone who avoids paying their share.

Variants and Related Words

• Ăn bám (v): to be a parasite, to live off someone. This is a stronger, more general term for dependency.
  • Cậu ấy đã lớn rồi mà vẫn còn ăn bám bố mẹ. (He's grown up but still lives off his parents.)

Synonyms

• Sponge off: To get something from others without giving anything in return.
• Mooch: To ask for or obtain something without paying for it.
• Freeload: To take advantage of others' hospitality without sharing costs.

Related Idioms

• Ăn không ngồi rồi: To be idle and live off others.
  • Hắn suốt ngày ăn không ngồi rồi, chỉ chờ che tàn người khác. (He's idle all day, just waiting to sponge off others.)