Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| codicioso | /kodiˈθjoso/ /kodiˈsjoso/ |
| avaricioso | /abaɾiˈθjoso/ /abaɾiˈsjoso/ |
| ávido | /ˈabido/ |
| avaro | /aˈbaɾo/ |
| avorazado | /aboɾaˈθado/ /aboɾaˈsado/ |
| angurriento | /anɡuˈrjento/ |
| avariento | /abaˈɾjento/ |
The term greedy can be expressed through various Spanish words depending on whether the greed is directed toward wealth, a lack of generosity or a non-material desire. Generally, codicioso is the most direct translation for greed concerning material possessions and wealth. Other ways to convey the concept include the phrase ser ambicioso en exceso (to be excessively ambitious) or actuar con afán de lucro (to act with a profit motive).
Which one should you use?
Spanish offers several nuances for different types of greed. While codicioso refers to a desire for more wealth, power or possessions, avaro specifically describes a miserly person who refuses to spend the money they already have. For an intense, often positive desire for non-material things like knowledge or adventure, use ávido (eager or avid). If you want to describe someone who is predatory or takes more than their fair share through unscrupulous means, use angurriento. Finally, avaricioso is a common and direct way to express the concept of being greedy.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the word goloso is used to describe someone with an excessive appetite, though it can also be used metaphorically to describe greediness. The term angurriento is frequently used in certain Latin American dialects, particularly in the Southern Cone, to describe a grasping or greedy person.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, codicioso must agree in gender with the noun or subject it describes. For example, use codiciosa when referring to a feminine subject.
How do you pronounce it?
/kodiˈθjoso/
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Tom nunca fue avaro.Tom never was greedy.This sentence shows a negative example of the form avaro.Tatoeba #7975821 by helq, translation #3428664 by CK
- No seas tan avaricioso.Don't be so greedy.This sentence uses the form avaricioso to provide a command.Tatoeba #1036471 by Shishir, translation #66827 by CK
- Es egoísta y avaricioso.He is selfish and greedy.This sentence combines two traits using the form avaricioso.Tatoeba #1859851 by Shishir, translation #298460 by CK
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are discussing a wealthy businessman.
- MateoEse hombre es muy codicioso con su dinero.That man is very greedy with his money.
- SofíaSí, nunca quiere compartir nada con nadie.Yes, he never wants to share anything with anyone.
- MateoEs triste que sea tan codicioso.It is sad that he is so greedy.
- SofíaTienes razón, Mateo.You are right, Mateo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “greedy” translations and entries codicioso, avaricioso, ávido, avaro, avorazado, angurriento, avariento, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries avaricioso, avaro, codicioso, ávido, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
