Translation and Meaning of: 欲張り - yokubari

The word 「欲張り」 (yokubari) is composed of the kanji 「欲」 meaning "desire" or "greed," and 「張り」 which derives from the verb 「張る」 (haru), meaning "to stretch" or "to expand." The combination of these kanji conveys a sense of wanting or desiring more than what can be considered fair or necessary, often associated with greed or avarice. Thus, the expression reflects an excessive desire for material goods, recognition, or even power.

The origin of the expression can be traced back to Japanese culture through the importance that society places on moderation and balance in various aspects of life. Being "yokubari" can be viewed negatively, as it suggests that a person is exceeding the limits of balanced conduct, seeking more than what is necessary. This perception is consistent with cultural values that emphasize harmony, simplicity, and contentment with what one has.

In addition to its negative connotation, 「欲張り」 can also be seen as a natural impulse in many humans to always want more. This ambivalence can be witnessed in everyday situations, where the line between healthy ambition and harmful greed becomes thin. However, it is important to note that within the Japanese context, "yokubari" behavior is often discouraged due to its potential disruptiveness to social harmony.

This word can also be used in different contexts and variations, such as verbs and adjectives, for example, when describing a person: 「欲張りな人」 (yokubari na hito), which literally means "a greedy person." The descriptive nature of this expression allows it to be adapted to various contexts, providing insight into how desires can influence human behaviors and attitudes.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

貪欲 (donyoku) - Intense desire or greed
強欲 (gōyoku) - Anxiety for possessions, greed at an intense level.
無謀 (mubō) - Imprudence, risky acts without consideration for the consequences
貪婪 (doran) - Extreme greed, insatiable desire for material wealth
貪心 (donshin) - Selfish desire or greed
貪欲な (donyokuna) - Adjective phrase to characterize someone who is greedy.
貪欲すぎる (donyokusugiru) - Excessive greed, exceeding the limits
貪欲に (donyoku ni) - In a greedy manner
強欲な (gōyokuna) - Adjectival phrase to characterize someone who is extremely greedy.
強欲すぎる (gōyokusugiru) - Excessive greed, far beyond the normal
強欲に (gōyoku ni) - In an extremely greedy manner
無謀な (mubōna) - Describes an action as reckless or foolish.
無謀すぎる (mubō sugiru) - Imprudence at an extreme level
無謀に (mubō ni) - Recklessly
貪りすぎる (musaborisugiru) - Extreme desire for something, excessive greed
貪り取る (musaboritoru) - Take greedily, steal something that does not belong to you.
貪る (musaboru) - Consume eagerly, strong desire
貪るように (musaboru yō ni) - In a way that indicates strong desire or greed
貪る気持ち (musaboru kimochi) - Feeling of intense desire or greed
貪る欲求 (musaboru yokkyū) - Intense desire for something
貪る本能 (musaboru honnō) - Instinct of greed, the impulse to devour or possess
貪り食う (musaborikuu) - Eat avidly, devour
貪り尽くす (musaboritsukusu) - Completely consume, devour until the end
貪り漁る (musaboriasaru) - Gathering or avidly collecting goods or resources
貪り続ける (musaboritsuzukeru) - Continue to act with greed