Meaning
赌博 refers to the act of betting money or valuables on games of chance or uncertain outcomes. It encompasses all forms of gambling, from casino games to informal betting. In Chinese culture, gambling has a long history but is generally viewed negatively in modern society, associated with addiction and financial ruin.
Usage
This term carries a negative connotation and refers to serious gambling rather than casual bets among friends. It's commonly used in legal contexts, news reports about gambling problems, and warnings against gambling addiction. The government strictly regulates gambling in mainland China, where most forms are illegal except state-run lotteries.
Examples
- 01他因为赌博输光了所有的钱。.He lost all his money because of gambling.
- 02在中国大陆，赌博是违法的。, .In mainland China, gambling is illegal.
Characters
Common collocations
- 赌博成瘾gambling addiction
- 非法赌博illegal gambling
- 禁止赌博prohibit gambling
- 参与赌博to participate in gambling
Origin
Both characters relate to gambling: 赌 contains the radical 贝 (shell/money), indicating financial transactions, while 博 originally meant 'to win' and evolved to mean gambling games. Together they form an emphatic compound meaning gambling activity.