Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Greedy" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "greedy", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
卑しい
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 卑しい and 貪欲.
In Japanese, 卑しい (いやしい (iyashii)) is typically associated with "greedy, vulgar, base, ignoble" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes behavior, desires, or character that is considered low, mean, or excessively greedy. Can also refer to a humble social status..
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 "卑しい"
彼は卑しい金銭欲に取り憑かれている。
He is possessed by a base greed for money.
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 ＿＿＿ 金銭欲に取り憑かれている。" (Meaning: "He is possessed by a base greed for money.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "卑しい" fits here because it means "greedy, vulgar, base, ignoble" in the context of: "He is possessed by a base greed for money.". "貪欲" represents "greedy, avaricious, rapacious".