tham sắc
Definition
- Adjective:
- Fond of beauty / captivated by physical attractiveness: Describes a person, typically a man, who has a strong appreciation or desire for beautiful appearances, often in a romantic or sensual context. It implies being drawn to or enamored with physical beauty.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Chàng trai đó rất tham sắc. (That young man is very fond of beauty.)
- "Trai tham sắc, gái tham tài" là một câu nói dân gian. ("Men are fond of beauty, women are fond of talent" is a folk saying.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is most famously and frequently used in the contrasting folk proverb "Trai tham sắc, gái tham tài" (Men are fond of beauty, women are fond of talent). This usage encapsulates a traditional stereotype about gendered desires in relationships.
Variants and Related Words
- Tham (v): to be greedy for, to covet. While "tham" alone often has a negative connotation (greed), in "tham sắc" it softens to mean "fond of" or "enamored with."
- Sắc (n): color; beauty; appearance. Here, it specifically refers to physical beauty or allure.
Synonyms
- Fond of beauty: Having a liking for physical attractiveness.
- Captivated by looks: Enchanted or fascinated by appearance.
Related Idioms
- "Trai tham sắc, gái tham tài": A proverb meaning "Men are fond of beauty, women are fond of talent." It suggests traditional, often stereotypical, priorities in seeking a partner.