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codicia

koh-DEE-syah/koˈdi.sja/

“codicia” means “greed” in Spanish (an excessive desire for wealth or possessions).

greed

Also: covetousness
NounfB2
General
A character clutching a massive pile of gold coins and jewels to their chest with a wide-eyed expression.

📝 In Action

La codicia rompe el saco.

A2

Greed breaks the bag. (A proverb meaning greed leads to losing everything).

Su codicia por el poder lo llevó a cometer errores.

B1

His greed for power led him to make mistakes.

Debemos evitar que la codicia controle nuestras vidas.

B2

We must prevent greed from controlling our lives.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • avaricia (avarice/greed)
  • ambición (ambition)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • cegado por la codicia – blinded by greed
  • codicia desmedida – excessive greed
  • codicia de riquezas – greed for riches

Idioms & Expressions

  • La codicia rompe el saco – When you try to get too much, you often end up with nothing.

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "codicia" in Spanish:

covetousness→greed→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: codicia

Question 1 of 3

Which of these is the most accurate translation for 'codicia'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
codiciar(to covet/to crave) — Verb
codicioso(greedy) — Adjective
codiciadamente(covetously) — Adverb
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'cupiditas,' which means 'strong desire' or 'longing.' It is the same root that gave us the name of the Roman god of love, Cupid.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: cupidityItalian: cupidigia

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'codicia' always a bad thing in Spanish?

Yes, unlike 'ambición' (ambition), which can sometimes be seen as positive, 'codicia' is almost exclusively a negative trait related to selfishness.

How do you say 'to be greedy' using this word?

You can say 'tener codicia' (to have greed) or use the adjective form: 'ser codicioso'.

What is the difference between 'codicia' and 'avaricia'?

They are very similar. 'Codicia' is the hunger to get more things, while 'avaricia' is the desire to keep and hoard the things you already have without spending them.