Meaning and Usage
The term 受贿 (shòuhuì) specifically refers to the act of accepting bribes. It is a legal and ethical term often used in contexts related to corruption, law enforcement, and governance. When someone is accused of 受贿, it means they have illegally received money or gifts in exchange for favors or influence.
Common Contexts
You will frequently encounter 受贿 in news reports about political scandals, court cases, or anti-corruption campaigns. It is a formal term and typically appears in written or official language rather than casual conversation.
Collocations and Patterns
- 受贿行为 (shòuhuì xíngwéi): bribery behavior, used to describe the act itself.
- 受贿罪 (shòuhuì zuì): the crime of accepting bribes, a legal charge.
- 被控受贿 (bèi kòng shòuhuì): to be accused of accepting bribes.
Usage Notes
Because 受贿 is a serious accusation, it is usually used in formal or legal contexts. Avoid using it lightly in casual speech. It differs from 行贿 (xínghuì), which means to give bribes; 受贿 focuses on the receiver's side.
Common Confusion
Learners sometimes confuse 受贿 with 贿赂 (huìlù), which means 'bribe' as a noun. Remember, 受贿 is a verb phrase meaning 'to accept bribes.'