Understanding 欲望 (よくぼう)
欲望 means "desire" or "appetite," often referring to strong wants or cravings, whether for material things, success, or emotions. It is a noun commonly used in formal or literary contexts and can carry a slightly intense or serious nuance compared to more casual words like 欲しい (ほしい).
Usage and Nuance
When using 欲望, speakers often imply a deep or powerful longing that can be both positive (ambition, motivation) or negative (greed, temptation). It is frequently used in discussions about human nature, psychology, or moral topics.
Common Collocations
- 欲望を抑える: to suppress or control desires, often used when talking about self-discipline.
- 欲望が強い: having strong desires or cravings.
- 性的欲望 (せいてきよくぼう): sexual desire, a common compound.
- 成功への欲望: desire for success, showing ambition.
Register and Formality
欲望 is generally formal and appears in written language, news, academic texts, and serious conversations. It is less common in casual daily speech where simpler words like 欲しい or 欲求 might be preferred.
Common Learner Mistake
Confusing 欲望 with 欲しい: 欲しい is an adjective meaning "want" and is used for specific objects or things, while 欲望 is a noun referring to broader or deeper desires. Avoid using 欲望 to directly say "I want that"; instead, use 欲しい for that purpose.