gian tham

Definition
  1. Adjective:
    • Deceitful and greedy: Describes a person, especially in a position of power or authority, who is both dishonest in character and excessively avaricious, often willing to use fraud or trickery for personal gain.
Usage Examples
  • Adjective:
    • Những quan chức gian tham đã bị bắt. (The deceitful and greedy officials were arrested.)
    • Hắn ta bản chất gian tham, luôn lừa dối để kiếm tiền. (He has a deceitful and greedy nature, always cheating to make money.)
Advanced Usage
  • The term is often used in formal, literary, or journalistic contexts to describe profound moral corruption, particularly in politics or business, combining two severe character flaws.
Variants and Related Words
  • Gian (adj): deceitful, treacherous, cunning.
  • Tham (adj): greedy, avaricious, covetous.
  • Tham nhũng (n/v): corruption; to be corrupt. (This is a distinct but related concept focusing on the abuse of power for gain.)
Synonyms
  • Corrupt: willing to act dishonestly for personal gain.
  • Venal: showing or motivated by susceptibility to bribery; corrupt.
  • Rapacious: aggressively greedy or grasping.
Related Idioms
  • Gian tham vô độ: Boundlessly deceitful and greedy.
    • Tên trùm gian tham vô độ đã bị tòa kết án. (The boundlessly deceitful and greedy boss was sentenced by the court.)
gian tham
Quan lại gian tham nhận hối lộ của dân.