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
欲求
よっきゅう (yokkyuu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "desire" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 欲望 and 欲求.
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, 欲求 (よっきゅう (yokkyuu)) maps to "desire, craving, want, urge" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to basic human desires or needs, often psychological or biological. It implies a strong, fundamental urge or longing. 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 "欲求"
人間には、認められたいという欲求がある。
Humans have a desire to be recognized.
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.". "欲求" represents "desire, craving, want, urge".