贪污 (tān wū) is a formal noun meaning 'embezzlement' or 'graft' — the illegal act of stealing or misusing public funds or property entrusted to one’s care, typically by a government official or employee. The first character 贪 (tān) means 'greedy' or 'covetous', reflecting excessive desire; the second character 污 (wū) means 'to soil' or 'to corrupt', suggesting moral or ethical contamination. Together, they vividly convey the idea of greed that leads to corruption and abuse of power.

This word is used almost exclusively in legal, political, and journalistic contexts in Chinese. It carries strong negative connotations and implies deliberate, often systemic, misuse of authority for personal gain. Unlike general terms for theft, 贪污 specifically involves positions of trust — such as civil servants, state-owned enterprise managers, or public administrators — and usually refers to funds or assets belonging to the state or collective. It is not used for petty theft or private-sector fraud without an element of public duty or entrusted responsibility.