Japanese Conversation · Level 75
75 words
Japanese word
欲望
Pronunciation
Romajiyokubō
Meaning
- noundesire
Example
彼は名声への欲望を隠しません。kare wa mei sei e no yoku bō o kaku shi ma se n
He does not hide his desire for fame.
More examples
物質的な欲望だけを追いかけると、大切なものを見失います。bus shitsu teki na yoku bō da ke o o i ka ke ru to tai setsu na mo no o mi ushina i ma su
If you chase only material desires, you may lose sight of what matters.
Core concept
Centers on a strong inner pull toward something a person wants, whether it is a basic need, a goal, or an intense craving.
Common phrases
欲望を抑えるyoku bō o osa e ru
suppress desire
欲望を満たすyoku bō o mi ta su
satisfy desire
欲望が膨らむyoku bō ga fuku ra mu
desire grows
欲望に負けるyoku bō ni ma ke ru
give in to desire
Similar words
欲求yokkyū: A strong need or desire that arises from within a person.
願望ganbō: A wish for something a person hopes to achieve or obtain.
野心yashin: A strong desire to achieve an important goal, often involving success or status.
渇望katsubō: An intense desire for something that feels urgently needed.
Definition in Japanese
何かを強く求めて手に入れたいと思う心。nan ka o tsuyo ku moto me te te ni i re ta i to omo u kokoro
Word origin
欲望 (yokubō, "desire") is a Sino-Japanese compound of 欲 (yoku, "want") and 望 (bō, "hope" or "desire").
Usage tips
- In Japanese, 欲望 (yokubō) often sounds stronger and more consuming than a simple wish, so it fits topics such as ambition, fame, and material goals.
Other meanings
- appetitenoun
- lustnoun
Opposites
- 無欲muyokudesirelessnessnoun