Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Greedy" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "greedy", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
いやしい
いやしい (iyashii)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
貪欲
どんよく (donyoku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "greedy" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between いやしい and 貪欲.
In Japanese, いやしい (いやしい (iyashii)) is typically associated with "greedy; vulgar; base; shabby" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 人柄、態度、見た目などが品がなく、貪欲さや卑しさを感じさせる場合に使う。否定的な意味合いが強い。/ Used to describe someone's character, behavior, or appearance as lacking refinement, suggesting greed, meanness, or vulgarity. It has a strong negative connotation..
On the other hand, 貪欲 (どんよく (donyoku)) maps to "greedy, avaricious, rapacious" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents お金、権力、物などを際限なく欲しがる気持ちやその様子を指します。ネガティブな意味合いで使われることが多いです。. A literal translation of "greedy" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "いやしい"
彼はいつもいやしい目で食べ物を見ている。
He always looks at food with greedy eyes.
Bilingual Context for "貪欲"
彼は昇進に対して貪欲な野心を持っていた。
He had a greedy ambition for promotion.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼はいつも ＿＿＿ 目で食べ物を見ている。" (Meaning: "He always looks at food with greedy eyes.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "いやしい" fits here because it means "greedy; vulgar; base; shabby" in the context of: "He always looks at food with greedy eyes.". "貪欲" represents "greedy, avaricious, rapacious".