codicioso
neutral
The standard word for greedy is codicioso. In Mexican slang, someone who grabs more than their share or takes advantage of others is called gandalla. It is also called ambicioso.
Meaning: wanting too much for oneself (adjective)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| codicioso | neutral |
| ambicioso | neutral |
| gandalla | slang, Mexico |
Codicioso fits money and power. For someone who eats too much, Spanish uses glotón.
Which one should you use?
Ambicioso can be positive or negative, since it also means ambitious. Gandalla is informal and always critical.
How does it change in a sentence?
These words change with gender. A woman is codiciosa or gandalla, and the plural is codiciosos.
Did you know?
- Codicia was already a Spanish word in the Middle Ages and gives us codicioso today.
Examples in context
- No seas gandalla y comparte.Do not be greedy and share.
- Es un hombre muy codicioso.He is a very greedy man.
- Ella es muy ambiciosa.She is very ambitious.
Example conversation
Marta and her cousin Iván split a pizza at home in Puebla.
- MartaIván, te comiste cuatro rebanadas.Iván, you ate four slices.
- IvánEs que tenía hambre.I was hungry.
- MartaNo seas gandalla, deja una para mí.Do not be greedy, leave one for me.
