Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Greedy" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "greedy", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
さもしい
さもしい (samoshii)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
いやしい
いやしい (iyashii)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "greedy" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between さもしい and いやしい.
In Japanese, さもしい (さもしい (samoshii)) is typically associated with "greedy, sordid, mean, shabby, poor" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes behavior that is greedy, selfish, or morally contemptible, often driven by a desire for gain..
On the other hand, いやしい (いやしい (iyashii)) maps to "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.. A literal translation of "greedy" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "さもしい"
彼のさもしい考え方に嫌気がさした。
I grew tired of his greedy way of thinking.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼の ＿＿＿ 考え方に嫌気がさした。" (Meaning: "I grew tired of his greedy way of thinking.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "さもしい" fits here because it means "greedy, sordid, mean, shabby, poor" in the context of: "I grew tired of his greedy way of thinking.". "いやしい" represents "greedy; vulgar; base; shabby".