欲望 yùwàng desire
desire; longing; appetite; craving
How to remember 欲望: 欲 desire + 望 gaze = desire.
Characters
How it is used
- Desire/craving/longing - 强烈的欲望 (qiángliè de yùwàng) a strong desire, 控制欲望 (kòngzhì yùwàng) control one's desires.
- Refers to inner cravings/appetites (for things, pleasure, power); can be neutral or carry a hint of excess.
- Contrast 愿望 (yuànwàng, a wish/aspiration, positive/hopeful); 欲望 is more visceral craving.
Example sentences
- 我没有强烈的欲望去学习。 Wǒ méiyǒu qiángliè de yùwàng qù xuéxí.I don't feel like studying.
- 不要把欲望和爱情混为一谈。 Búyào bǎ yùwàng hé àiqíng hùnwéiyītán.Don't confuse desire with love.