Definition
捞钱 is a colloquial and often negative separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to make money' — but with a strong implication of doing so through shady, dishonest, or opportunistic means. It's not a neutral synonym for 赚钱. The verb 捞 ('to fish out, to scoop up') suggests grabbing money quickly, often by taking advantage of a situation. As a separable verb, you can insert measure words or modifiers between 捞 and 钱: 捞了一笔钱 ('scooped up a sum of money'), 捞了不少钱 ('fished out quite a bit of money'). Use it when you want to criticize or describe someone making money in a way that feels unfair or unscrupulous.
v.o.
(colloquial, derogatory) to make money by shady or opportunistic meansto grab money
Examples
- 捞钱，。Tā lìyòng zhíwù zhī biàn lāo qián, zuìhòu bèi kāichú le.He used his position to grab money and was eventually fired.
- 捞钱，。Zhèxiē rén kào dǎomài ménpiào lāo qián, tài bù dàodé le.These people make money by scalping tickets — it's really unethical.
- 。Tā zài nà bǐ shēngyi zhōng lāo le yí dà bǐ qián.He scooped up a huge sum of money from that deal.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.