Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Greedy" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "greedy", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
貪欲
どんよく (donyoku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
東食西宿
とうしょくせいしゅく (toushokuseishuku)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "greedy" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 貪欲 and 東食西宿.
In Japanese, 貪欲 (どんよく (donyoku)) is typically associated with "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。.
On the other hand, 東食西宿 (とうしょくせいしゅく (toushokuseishuku)) maps to "a greedy, grasping person" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "greedy" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Bilingual Context for "東食西宿"
私は東食西宿に興味があります。
I am interested in a greedy, grasping person.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は昇進に対して ＿＿＿ な野心を持っていた。" (Meaning: "He had a greedy ambition for promotion.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "貪欲" fits here because it means "greedy, avaricious, rapacious" in the context of: "He had a greedy ambition for promotion.". "東食西宿" represents "a greedy, grasping person".