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