Translation and Meaning of: 欲望 - yokubou

The word 「欲望」 (yokubou) is composed of two kanji: 「欲」 (yoku) and 「望」 (bou). The kanji 「欲」 represents "desire" or "greed," while 「望」 means "wish" or "hope." The combination of these characters forms a term that symbolizes a strong desire, an intense will to possess or achieve something. This combination uses elements that convey human yearning, being a direct reflection of the psychological and emotional aspects inherent to the human condition.

Originating from the Japanese language, 「欲望」 is commonly used to express desires that can be both material and immaterial. The concept is universal and transcends cultures, reflecting the human experience of wanting to achieve something. Throughout history, the notion of desire has been extensively explored in fields such as philosophy, psychology, and literature, highlighting its influence on human motivation and the pursuit of satisfaction.

In addition to its central meaning, the term 「欲望」 appears in various idiomatic and literary expressions. For example, the phrase 「欲望に駆られる」 (yokubou ni karareru) means to be driven by one's desires, indicating how these longings can influence an individual's behavior and decisions. In both classical and modern literature, desires are often explored as central themes, revealing the complexity of the human drive for more than one possesses.

In the modern context, 「欲望」 is often discussed in relation to consumerism and the relentless pursuit of material goods. This interpretation brings to light debates about the balance between need and desire and the ethical implications of catering to these impulses. In direct connection with psychology, understanding and managing desires is essential for personal development and well-being.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 欲求 (Yokkyuu) - Desire or longing for something.
• 欲望心 (Yokubou-shin) - Sense of intense desire or will.
• 欲望感 (Yokuboukan) - Feeling of desire or longing.
• 欲望的な (Yokubouteki na) - Related to desire; that expresses wishes or longings.
• 欲望の塊 (Yokubou no katamari) - A tangle of desires.
• 欲望のままに (Yokubou no mama ni) - According to desires; act according to the wish.
• 欲望の赴くままに (Yokubou no omomuku mama ni) - Follow your desires freely.
• 欲望のままに生きる (Yokubou no mama ni ikiru) - Live according to your own desires.
• 欲望にかられる (Yokubou ni karareru) - To be dominated or influenced by desire.
• 欲望に駆られる (Yokubou ni karareru) - Be driven by a strong desire.
• 欲望に満ちた (Yokubou ni michita) - Full of desires; overflowing with longings.
• 欲望に負ける (Yokubou ni makeru) - To be defeated by desires; to not resist desires.
• 欲望にとらわれる (Yokubou ni torawareru) - Being trapped by desires.
• 欲望に燃える (Yokubou ni moeru) - To be consumed by an intense desire.
• 欲望に駆られた (Yokubou ni karareta) - Driven by desires.
• 欲望にとりつかれた (Yokubou ni toritsukareta) - Possessed by desires; overtaken by a strong longing.