Meanings of 欲望
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Podcast: 欲望
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AI Study Notes for 欲望
渴望 (kěwàng) refers to a strong yearning or longing, often with a more emotional connotation, while 欲望 (yùwàng) can imply a more general or even base desire.
Be cautious with the tone when using 欲望; the fourth tone can come off as intense or negative, so context matters. It's often used in more serious or philosophical discussions rather than casual conversation. Common collocations include '欲望的满足' (satisfaction of desires) and '欲望的控制' (control of desires).
As an HSK Level 6 word, 欲望 connects to advanced vocabulary about emotions and human experiences. Students should focus on using it in sentences to express complex feelings or motivations, and explore its synonyms and antonyms for deeper understanding.
Learners often confuse 欲望 with 需要 (xūyào), which means 'to need.' For example, saying '我有欲望水' (Wǒ yǒu yùwàng shuǐ) is incorrect; it should be '我想要水' (Wǒ xiǎng yào shuǐ) meaning 'I want water.'
Pronunciation of 欲望
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Component Characters
How to say desire in Chinese
“desire” in Chinese is欲望
欲望 (yùwàng) refers to a deep-seated desire or craving for something, often linked to personal aspirations, wants, or appetites. It is commonly used in contexts discussing emotional or physical needs, such as the desire for success, love, or material possessions.
When to use 欲望
Be cautious with the tone when using 欲望; the fourth tone can come off as intense or negative, so context matters. It's often used in more serious or philosophical discussions rather than casual conversation. Common collocations include '欲望的满足' (satisfaction of desires) and '欲望的控制' (control of desires).
欲望 or something close to it
渴望 (kěwàng) refers to a strong yearning or longing, often with a more emotional connotation, while 欲望 (yùwàng) can imply a more general or even base desire.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 欲望 with 需要 (xūyào), which means 'to need.' For example, saying '我有欲望水' (Wǒ yǒu yùwàng shuǐ) is incorrect; it should be '我想要水' (Wǒ xiǎng yào shuǐ) meaning 'I want water.'
Write 欲望
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Grammar Patterns of 欲望
欲望 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
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詹姆斯·福克斯以《____城》一书最为出名.
James Fox is best known as the author of White Mischief.
Example Sentences for 欲望 (7)
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Cultural Notes for 欲望
While desire is a universal concept, Western cultures often emphasize individualism and the pursuit of personal happiness, whereas Chinese culture might focus more on collective well-being and the moderation of desires.
Frequently Asked Questions about 欲望
欲望 (yùwàng) conveys a deeper, often more intense craving, while 想要 (xiǎngyào) simply means 'to want' something.
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