私欲 (sī yù) — selfish desire; greed

Definition

A formal, written term for selfish desire or greed, often with a moral or philosophical tone (e.g. in ethics, religion, or classical writing). Stronger and more literary than everyday words like 欲望.

noun
selfish desiregreed

Examples

  • 私欲
    Tā wèi le mǎn zú sī yù, bù xī sǔn hài tā rén lì yì.
    He didn't hesitate to harm others' interests to satisfy his selfish desires.
  • 私欲
    Zhēn zhèng de xiū xíng xū yào fàng xià sī yù.
    True spiritual practice requires letting go of selfish desires.
  • 私欲
    sī yù Huì méng bì rén de liáng zhī.
    Selfish desire can blind a person's conscience.

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