gian thương
Definition
- Noun:
- Unscrupulous merchant / dishonest trader: A person who engages in business or trade using deceitful, fraudulent, or cunning schemes to cheat customers or gain illicit profit. The term strongly implies moral condemnation.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Những gian thương này thường trộn lẫn gạo kém chất lượng. (These unscrupulous merchants often mix in low-quality rice.)
- Chính quyền cần xử lý nghiêm các gian thương đầu cơ tích trữ. (The authorities need to strictly deal with dishonest traders who hoard goods for speculation.)
- Dân chúng rất bất bình với bọn gian thương. (The people are very discontent with the gang of dishonest traders.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is often used in formal or journalistic contexts to describe unethical business practices, especially during crises (e.g., price gouging during shortages, selling counterfeit goods).
Variants and Related Words
- Con buôn gian (n): A deceitful trader; a synonym with similar negative connotation.
- Kẻ buôn bán gian dối (n phr): A person who trades fraudulently.
Synonyms
- Dishonest trader
- Fraudulent merchant
- Unethical dealer
- Profiteer (specifically one who makes unfair profits)
Related Idioms
- Gian thương bất nghĩa: This phrase intensifies the condemnation, meaning "unscrupulous and unrighteous merchants."
- Thời kỳ khó khăn, gian thương bất nghĩa lại lộng hành. (In difficult times, unrighteous, unscrupulous merchants become rampant.)