tham ô
[tʰaːm˧˧ ʔo˧˧]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
(verb) to embezzle; to be corrupt
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Sources & notes
Imported from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-29); community review pending. source ↗
Sense 2
Meaning · English
(noun) corruption; graft; embezzlement
Examples
Do cá nhân chủ nghĩa mà ngại gian khổ, khó khăn, sa vào tham ô, hủ hóa, lãng phí, xa hoa.Because of their individualism, they flinch from hardships and difficulties and sink into corruption, depravation, waste and luxury.
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common questions
What does “tham ô” mean?
(verb) to embezzle; to be corrupt
Is “tham ô” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.