私欲 (しよく) Japanese meaning | KotomoraMeanings
1
noun
self-interest; selfish desire
Refers to personal greed or desires that disregard others; often used in critical or moral contexts.
longing, covetousness, greed
慾covetousness, greed, passion Similar words
- 利己主義
利己主義 is a broader term for egoism or selfishness as a principle, while 私欲 focuses on concrete selfish desires or interests.
- 欲
欲 is a general word for desire or greed, not necessarily selfish; 私欲 specifically implies personal, often unethical, self-interest.
Etymology
Compound of 私 (private, personal) and 欲 (desire, greed). The spelling 私慾 uses the older variant 慾 for 欲.
