Translation guide
Greed is the excessive desire for more than one needs, especially regarding money, possessions, or power. In Japanese, the most common and direct translation is 欲 (yoku), but the concept is often expressed through compound words, adjectives, and set phrases that convey selfishness, insatiability, or materialistic desire.
Expressing the abstract concept of greed as a character flaw or excessive desire.
The most direct and common noun for 'greed' or 'desire'. Often used in compounds to specify the type of greed (e.g., 金銭欲 for greed for money). Can sound somewhat abstract or formal on its own.
A common, slightly colloquial noun/adjective meaning 'greedy person' or 'greediness'. Implies wanting more than one's share, often used in everyday situations like food or money.
あの人は欲張りだ。
That person is greedy.
欲張りすぎると失敗するよ。
If you get too greedy, you'll fail.
A stronger, more negative term for 'greed' or 'avarice', often implying ruthless or insatiable greed. Common in literary or critical contexts.
強欲な資本家。
A greedy capitalist.
Literary or formal term for 'greed' or 'covetousness', often with a nuance of voraciousness. Can also be used positively for 'eagerness' in learning (e.g., 知識に貪欲).
彼は権力に貪欲だ。
He is greedy for power.
Specifically referring to greed related to money, profit, or material possessions.
Literally 'money desire', the standard term for greed for money.
金銭欲にとりつかれる。
To be possessed by greed for money.
Desire for material things, materialism. Often used in discussions about consumerism or minimalism.
物欲を抑える。
To suppress material greed.
Mammonism, the worship of money. Describes an ideology or attitude where money is the highest value.
彼の行動は拝金主義そのものだ。
His actions are the epitome of greed for money.
Describing the act of being greedy, especially in sharing situations like food, resources, or opportunities.
The verb form of 欲張り, meaning 'to be greedy' or 'to try to get too much'. Very common in daily conversation.
そんなに欲張らないで。
Don't be so greedy.
ケーキを欲張って三つも食べた。
I got greedy and ate three pieces of cake.
A colloquial adjective, often used in Kansai dialect but widely understood, meaning 'greedy', 'pushy', or 'shamelessly acquisitive'. Has a rough, negative nuance.
To monopolize or keep everything for oneself. Implies greedy behavior by not sharing.
おもちゃを独り占めするのはやめなさい。
Stop hogging all the toys.
Emphasizing the endless, insatiable nature of greed.
Literally 'there is no limit', used to describe greed that knows no bounds.
人間の欲には際限がない。
Human greed knows no bounds.
Similar to 際限がない, meaning 'there is no end to it'. More colloquial.
欲を出せばきりがない。
If you give in to greed, there's no end to it.
Literally 'not knowing satiation', a literary phrase for insatiable greed or desire.
彼は飽くことを知らない金銭欲の持ち主だ。
He has an insatiable greed for money.
Referring to greed in a moral, religious, or ethical context, such as one of the seven deadly sins.
The standard translation for 'greed' as one of the seven deadly sins (七つの大罪). Also used in secular moral criticism.
七つの大罪の一つは強欲です。
One of the seven deadly sins is greed.
Noun form of 貪る (to covet, to crave), often used in religious or literary contexts to denote sinful craving.
貪りは破滅への道だ。
Greed is the path to ruin.
欲 (yoku) is the broadest term for desire/greed, often used in compounds. 欲張り (yokubari) is more colloquial and describes a person or act of being greedy in everyday situations. 強欲 (gōyoku) is stronger and more negative, implying ruthless avarice, often used in formal or critical contexts.
While 欲張り is the most common equivalent for 'greedy', it can sound childish or trivial in serious contexts. For corporate or political greed, 強欲 or 貪欲 may be more appropriate. Avoid directly translating 'greedy' as 欲深い (yokubukai) in casual speech; it is more literary.
彼の欲が身を滅ぼした。
His greed led to his downfall.
あの店員、がめついなあ。
That shop clerk is so greedy.