貪欲(どんよく)

どんよく
na-adjective, noun
greedy; avaricious; insatiable
1. greedy; avaricious (negative)
excessively desirous of acquiring wealth or possessions
貪欲(どんよく)な金持(かねも)ち。
A greedy rich person.
貪欲(どんよく)に利益(りえき)を追求(ついきゅう)する。
To pursue profits greedily.
2. eager; hungry (positive)
having a strong appetite or enthusiasm for learning, growth, or achievement
彼(かれ)は知識(ちしき)に貪欲(どんよく)だ。
He is hungry for knowledge.
成長(せいちょう)に貪欲(どんよく)な姿勢(しせい)が大切(たいせつ)だ。
An eager attitude toward growth is important.
勝利(しょうり)に貪欲(どんよく)なチームが優勝(ゆうしょう)する。
The team hungry for victory wins the championship.
貪欲(どんよく)に学(まな)ぶ姿勢(しせい)を持(も)ち続(つづ)けたい。
I want to keep an eager attitude toward learning.

SENSE 1 - NEGATIVE (greed):

  • 貪欲(どんよく)な人(ひと) (greedy person)
  • 貪欲(どんよく)さ (greediness)

One of the Seven Deadly Sins in Christianity.

SENSE 2 - POSITIVE (eagerness):

  • 知識(ちしき)に貪欲(どんよく) (hungry for knowledge)
  • 成長(せいちょう)に貪欲(どんよく) (eager for growth)
  • 勝利(しょうり)に貪欲(どんよく) (hungry for victory)

In this usage, implies admirable drive and ambition.

ALTERNATE READING:
Also read as どんよく (more common) or たんよく (literary).

FORMS:

  • Adverb: 貪欲(どんよく)に
  • Noun form: 貪欲(どんよく)さ
general
Added 2026.1.25 17:04
08000/08199_donyoku