欲
yoku[jo̞kɯ̟]
The English phrase "greed" is translated into Japanese as 欲 (yoku). Wiktionary also lists 貪欲 (don'yoku).
Meaning: selfish desire for more than is needed (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 欲 | yoku | [jo̞kɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 貪欲 | don'yoku | [dõ̞ɰ̃jo̞kɯ̟] (narrow) |
The term 欲 acts as a general noun for desire or greed and can be used in both positive and negative contexts depending on how it is phrased. When describing an insatiable appetite for wealth, power or possessions, the term 貪欲 is used to emphasize a specific, intense craving.
What does it mean word for word?
The idiomatic expression 欲の塊 literally translates to "a lump of greed" and is used to describe someone who is the embodiment or incarnation of greed.
Which one should you use?
欲 is a neutral term for general desire or greed. In contrast, 貪欲 is a negative term that specifically emphasizes an insatiable, intense or rapacious greed.
How do you pronounce it?
yoku
Did you know?
- The term 貪欲 is frequently used in sports and gaming to describe a 'hungry' or aggressive playing style, which is seen as a commendable trait rather than a vice.
- In Japanese Buddhism, the word 欲 is often categorized as one of the 'Three Poisons' that cause human suffering. While it can mean general desire, it is frequently viewed as a spiritual obstacle to enlightenment.
- Japanese has a specific concept called 足るを知る, which means 'knowing when you have enough' and is presented as the direct philosophical cure for 欲.
Examples in context
- 彼はおもちゃをたくさん持っているけれども、欲張りであったため、もっと欲しがった。Although he had many toys, his greed made him want more.This sentence shows how 欲 can be used to describe the motivation behind wanting more items.Tatoeba #1149039 by bunbuku, translation #41050 by CM
- 欲の塊Greed incarnate, a lump of avariceThis sentence demonstrates how to use the phrase 欲 to describe someone as the embodiment of greed.
- 彼は強欲なビジネスマンで、他人を利用することしか考えていません。He is a greedy businessman who only thinks about exploiting others.
- 人間の欲は尽きることがない。Ningen no yoku wa tsukiru koto ga nai.Human greed is endless.
Example conversation
A siblings discussing a character in a story.
- 陽太 Yotaあの悪役は、欲が強すぎるよ。Ano akuyaku wa, yoku ga tsuyosugiru yo.That villain's greed is too strong.
- 陽葵 Himariそうだね、もっと欲しかったんだね。Sou dane, motto hoshikattan dane.You're right, he wanted even more.
- 陽太 Yota陽葵、君はどう思う？Himari, kimi wa dou omou?Himari, what do you think?
- 陽葵 Himari欲に負けた、悲しい結末だと思う。Yoku ni maketa, kanashii ketsumatsu da to omou.I think it's a sad ending caused by greed.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “greed” translations and entries 欲, 貪欲, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
