Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Desire" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "desire", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
欲望
よくぼう (yokubō)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
所望
しょもう (shomou)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "desire" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 欲望 and 所望.
In Japanese, 欲望 (よくぼう (yokubō)) is typically associated with "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.
On the other hand, 所望 (しょもう (shomou)) maps to "desire, wish, request, something desired" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents A somewhat formal or polite way of expressing a wish or request. Can be used when asking for something or referring to something that has been requested.. A literal translation of "desire" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Bilingual Context for "所望"
お客様の所望により、特別メニューをご用意いたしました。
We have prepared a special menu at the customer's request.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "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。" (Meaning: "Since human desires have no limits, it is important to have the spirit of knowing when one has enough.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "欲望" fits here because it means "desire; lust; appetite; greed; urge" in the context of: "Since human desires have no limits, it is important to have the spirit of knowing when one has enough.". "所望" represents "desire, wish, request, something desired".