1.
worldly desires; earthly passions; cravings
In Buddhism, mental states such as greed, anger, and delusion that cause suffering and hinder enlightenment. In everyday usage, refers more broadly to temptations and desires that are hard to resist.
煩悩を捨てる。
To renounce worldly desires.
ダイエット中なのに甘い物が食べたい。煩悩だらけだ。
I want to eat sweets even though I'm on a diet. I'm full of temptations.
大晦日の除夜の鐘は百八つの煩悩を払うために百八回鳴らされる。
The New Year's Eve bell is rung 108 times to dispel the 108 worldly desires.
煩悩 originates from Buddhist terminology. In Buddhist thought, there are traditionally 108 煩悩, which is why the 除夜の鐘 (New Year's Eve bell) is rung 108 times.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 煩悩を捨てる (to abandon worldly desires)
- 煩悩を断つ (to cut off worldly desires)
- 煩悩に打ち勝つ (to overcome temptation)
- 煩悩だらけ (full of worldly desires)
USAGE NOTES:
While the word comes from serious Buddhist philosophy, it is commonly used in a light, self-deprecating way in everyday speech — for example, when someone cannot resist food or shopping. The humorous tone acknowledges human weakness without deep religious connotation.