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
貪欲
どんよく (donyoku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "greedy" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between さもしい and 貪欲.
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, 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 "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 "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.". "貪欲" represents "greedy, avaricious, rapacious".