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March 24, 2026
欲望(慾望)yùwàng(yu4wang4)
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.
Frequency#3606DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, discussions about 欲望 often intersect with philosophical teachings, especially those of Confucianism and Daoism, which explore the balance between desire and restraint. This word can reflect societal views on ambition and materialism.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person standing at a crossroads (欲) with a giant 'W' for 'Wang' looming above, representing their desires. This visual of choices and cravings can help you associate '欲望' with the idea of longing for something important.
Meanings of 欲望
yùwàng(yu4wang4)
1desire
2longing
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 欲望
欲望Simplified
慾望Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#3606Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 欲望
Podcast: 欲望
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AI Study Notes for 欲望
Quick Contrast
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.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person standing at a crossroads (欲) with a giant 'W' for 'Wang' looming above, representing their desires. This visual of choices and cravings can help you associate '欲望' with the idea of longing for something important.
Usage Notes
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).
HSK Study Tips
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.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, discussions about 欲望 often intersect with philosophical teachings, especially those of Confucianism and Daoism, which explore the balance between desire and restraint. This word can reflect societal views on ambition and materialism.
Common Mistakes
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.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
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.
I translated this as a mad desire to lock up every single person with HIV.
6
是弗雷德对浮华、奢靡生活的强烈欲望使他们越走越远。
shì fú léi dé duì fú huá、 、 shē mí shēng huó de qiáng liè yù wàng shǐ tā mén yuè zǒu yuè。
It was Fred's lust for glitz and glamour that was driving them apart.
7
欲望与嫌恶所用的语言是命令式的.
yù wàng yǔ xián è suǒ yòng de yǔ yán shì mìng líng shì de.
The language of desire, and aversion, is imperative.
Cultural Notes for 欲望
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, discussions about 欲望 often intersect with philosophical teachings, especially those of Confucianism and Daoism, which explore the balance between desire and restraint. This word can reflect societal views on ambition and materialism.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
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.
Yes, 欲望 can refer to positive aspirations, such as the desire for knowledge or personal growth.
Make sure to use the correct tones: 欲 (yù) is fourth tone, and 望 (wàng) is also fourth tone, so it should sound intense.
