Meaning
欲望 refers to a strong wanting or craving for something, ranging from basic physical needs to complex psychological desires. It encompasses both neutral desires (like the desire to succeed) and more negative connotations (like excessive lust or greed). The term is commonly used in philosophical, psychological, and everyday contexts to describe human drives and motivations.
Usage
欲望 is used in both formal and informal contexts. It can describe positive ambitions (求知欲望 - desire for knowledge) or negative cravings (物质欲望 - materialistic desires). Native speakers often use it when discussing human nature, consumer behavior, or moral issues. It's more abstract and serious than simpler words like 想要.
Examples
- 01人要学会控制自己的欲望。.People need to learn to control their own desires.
- 02现代社会刺激了人们的消费欲望。.Modern society has stimulated people's desire to consume.
Characters
Measure words
- 种一种欲望
- 个一个欲望
Common collocations
- 满足欲望to satisfy desires
- 控制欲望to control desires
- 物质欲望materialistic desires
- 强烈的欲望strong desire
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters relate to wanting: 欲 depicts a person (人) breathing heavily (欠), suggesting intense longing; 望 originally showed a person looking into the distance with expectation. Together they form a compound emphasizing strong, often unfulfilled desires.