Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Desire" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "desire", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
望む
のぞむ (nozomu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
欲望
よくぼう (yokubō)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "desire" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 望む and 欲望.
In Japanese, 望む (のぞむ (nozomu)) is typically associated with "to desire, to wish for, to hope for" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 将来のことや願望について、強く「こうあってほしい」と思うときに使う。Used when strongly wishing or hoping for something in the future..
On the other hand, 欲望 (よくぼう (yokubō)) maps to "desire; lust; appetite; greed; urge" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to physical, mental, or material desire, lust, appetite, greed, or urges. Often used as 欲望に負ける. A literal translation of "desire" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "望む"
私は世界平和を望んでいます。
I hope for world peace.
Bilingual Context for "欲望"
人間の_______には限りがないため、足るを知る精神を持つことが大切です。
Since human desires have no limits, it is important to have the spirit of knowing when one has enough.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "私は世界平和を望んでいます。" (Meaning: "I hope for world peace.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "望む" fits here because it means "to desire, to wish for, to hope for" in the context of: "I hope for world peace.". "欲望" represents "desire; lust; appetite; greed; urge".