贿赂

huì lù

to bribe

HSK 6

Character Breakdown

Usage and Context

The word "贿赂" (huìlù) refers to the act of giving or receiving bribes, typically involving money or gifts to influence someone's decisions illegally. It is a formal term often used in legal, political, and business contexts.

Common Collocations

  • 贿赂 (to bribe someone): used when specifying the recipient of the bribe.
  • 贿赂行为 (bribery behavior): refers to the act or conduct of bribing.
  • 拒绝贿赂 (to refuse a bribe): emphasizes integrity and lawful behavior.

Register and Tone

"贿赂" is a formal and serious term, often appearing in news reports, legal documents, and discussions about corruption. It is not used casually in everyday conversation.

Important Notes

Avoid confusing "贿赂" with similar words like "" (to give gifts), which can be legal and socially acceptable. "贿赂" always implies illegality and unethical behavior.

When using "贿赂," the focus is on the corrupt exchange, so it often appears with verbs like "" (to give), "接受" (to accept), "拒绝" (to refuse), or "" (to accuse).

Example Sentences

他被指控向官员贿赂以获得合同。

Tā bèi zhǐkòng xiàng guānyuán huìlù yǐ huòdé hétong.

He was accused of bribing officials to get the contract.

贿赂行为严重破坏了社会的公平和正义。

Huìlù xíngwéi yánzhòng pòhuài le shèhuì de gōngpíng hé zhèngyì.

Bribery seriously undermines social fairness and justice.

他拒绝了贿赂,坚持依法办事。

Tā jùjué le huìlù, jiānchí yīfǎ bànshì.

He refused the bribe and insisted on acting according to the law.