貪

A phono-semantic compound:

貝 — shell, money, valuables (semantic component)

今 — now, the present moment (phonetic component)

The character depicts valuables (貝) combined with the idea of immediacy or “now” (今), expressing a mindset of wanting to possess wealth immediately. From this arose the meaning of greedy desire.

탐욕 (貪慾) — greed; avarice

탐심 (貪心) — greedy desire; covetous mind

탐관 (貪官) — corrupt official

탐하다 (貪하다) — to covet; to desire greedily

탐금 (貪金) — greed for money

in Confucian context 貪 is condemned as a cause of corruption and social disorder. Often contrasted with 廉 (incorruptible).

In Buddhist context 貪 is one of the Three Poisons (三毒):

貪 — greed

瞋 — anger

癡 — ignorance

Greed is seen as a root cause of suffering (苦) and rebirth.

Related characters:

欲 — desire (neutral / broader)

慾 — craving (emotional aspect)

婪 — covetous (intensified greed)

廉 — incorruptible (moral opposite)