Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Desire" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "desire", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
願望
がんぼう (ganbou)
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 願望 and 欲望.
In Japanese, 願望 (がんぼう (ganbou)) is typically associated with "desire; wish; aspiration" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Expresses a strong, often abstract or long-term personal wish or aspiration. It is more formal than 「～たい」.
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 "願望"
彼の長年の願望は、世界中の子どもたちが幸せに暮らすことだ。
His long-cherished desire is for children around the world to live happily.
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: "彼の長年の ＿＿＿ は、世界中の子どもたちが幸せに暮らすことだ。" (Meaning: "His long-cherished desire is for children around the world to live happily.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "願望" fits here because it means "desire; wish; aspiration" in the context of: "His long-cherished desire is for children around the world to live happily.". "欲望" represents "desire; lust; appetite; greed; urge".