Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Greedy" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "greedy", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
強欲
ごうよく (gōyoku)
N3 / 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 強欲 and いやしい.
In Japanese, 強欲 (ごうよく (gōyoku)) is typically associated with "greedy; avaricious; covetous; insatiable desire" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to being extremely greedy, avaricious, covetous, or having an insatiable desire for money, status, or love. Often used as 強欲な.
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 "強欲"
金銭に対する_______な追求のせいで、彼は長年の信頼関係をすべて失ってしまいました。
Due to his greedy pursuit of money, he lost all of his long-standing relationships of trust.
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: "金銭に対する_______な追求のせいで、彼は長年の信頼関係をすべて失ってしまいました。" (Meaning: "Due to his greedy pursuit of money, he lost all of his long-standing relationships of trust.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "強欲" fits here because it means "greedy; avaricious; covetous; insatiable desire" in the context of: "Due to his greedy pursuit of money, he lost all of his long-standing relationships of trust.". "いやしい" represents "greedy; vulgar; base; shabby".