欲望

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 欲望 (reading よくぼう) is a noun for a strong desire or appetite to obtain or satisfy something.
• Basic usage: It is used when desire for wealth controls someone or when a person refrains from acting exactly as desire dictates.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Marking the target
  • The desired object can be linked with への, as in 富への欲望, while 欲望のままに means acting as desire leads.
• Contrast with 希望
  • 希望 neutrally expresses a hoped-for future; 欲望 emphasizes the force of an appetite seeking satisfaction.