Translation guide
The English word "insatiable" describes a desire or appetite that cannot be satisfied. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various adjectives, verbs, and set phrases depending on what is insatiable—curiosity, greed, hunger, ambition, etc. The most common and versatile option is 貪欲 (どんよく), but other expressions carry nuances of endlessness, bottomlessness, or specific types of craving.
insatiable appetite
insatiable curiosity
Expressing that someone has an unquenchable desire for money, power, success, knowledge, etc.
An adjective/noun meaning 'greedy' or 'avid,' but often used for insatiable desire in a broad sense. Can be positive (e.g., for knowledge) or negative (e.g., for money).
He has an insatiable thirst for knowledge.
Literally 'not knowing to get tired of,' this phrase directly means 'insatiable' and is very natural. It modifies nouns.
Means 'bottomless,' used metaphorically for insatiable appetites or desires. Often paired with words like 食欲 (appetite) or 欲 (desire).
Means 'never-ending' or 'inexhaustible.' Used for things like curiosity, energy, or desire that never run out.
Describing someone who eats or drinks excessively and never seems full.
A common phrase meaning 'appetite is bottomless.'
He has an insatiable appetite.
A straightforward phrase: 'no matter how much (he) eats, (he) is not satisfied.'
Describing someone with an unquenchable sexual appetite.
An adjective/noun meaning 'lewd' or 'lustful,' often implying insatiable sexual desire. Can be strong or derogatory.
Rumor has it she's insatiable.
Literally 'sexual desire is strong.' A more neutral way to say someone has a high libido, which can imply insatiability.
Expressing an unquenchable desire to learn or know more.
Directly translating 'insatiable' as 飽きない (akinai, 'not get bored') is unnatural. Use set phrases like 飽くことを知らない or 尽きることのない.
貪欲 (どんよく) is for desire/ambition, while 底なし (そこなし) is often for appetites (food, drink). 底なし can also be used metaphorically for greed, but 貪欲 is more common for abstract desires.
I'm amazed by her insatiable drive for success.
He has an insatiable curiosity.
彼の底なしの食欲には驚く。
His insatiable appetite is astonishing.
Her insatiable passion made the project a success.
A noun meaning 'big eater' or 'glutton.' Implies an insatiable appetite.
He's a glutton; no matter how much he eats, he's never satisfied.
She has an insatiable appetite; she's never satisfied no matter how much she eats.
He has an insatiable sex drive and wants to have sex every day.
Her curiosity is insatiable.