Inklingo

How to Say "greedy" in Spanish

English → Spanish

ambicioso

am-bee-see-OH-soambiˈsjoso

adjectiveA2general
Use 'ambicioso' when someone has a strong drive and desire for success, power, or wealth, often in a professional or personal achievement context.
A hiker standing on a small hill looking towards a much taller, majestic mountain peak in the distance.

Examples

Mi hermano es un estudiante muy ambicioso.

My brother is a very ambitious student.

Presentaron un plan ambicioso para limpiar el océano.

They presented an ambitious plan to clean the ocean.

A veces es demasiado ambicioso y no piensa en los demás.

Sometimes he is too greedy and doesn't think about others.

Matching the Person

In Spanish, describing words must match the person. Use 'ambicioso' for a man and change the 'o' to an 'a' ('ambiciosa') for a woman.

Word Order

Usually, this word comes after the person or thing you are describing. For example: 'un hombre ambicioso' (an ambitious man).

The 'O' or 'A' Trap

Mistake: “Ella es muy ambicioso.”

Correction: Say 'Ella es muy ambiciosa.' You must change the ending to match the gender of the person.

interesado

een-teh-reh-SAH-dohin.te.reˈsa.ðo

adjectiveB1general
Choose 'interesado' when the greed is specifically tied to money and financial gain, implying someone acts out of self-interest rather than genuine kindness.
A cartoonish figure hugging a massive, overflowing sack of gold coins, looking greedy and protective, symbolizing motivation by personal gain.

Examples

Ella no te ayuda por amistad, es solo una persona muy interesada.

She doesn't help you out of friendship, she's just a very self-interested person.

El abogado solo aceptó el caso porque era muy interesado en el dinero.

The lawyer only took the case because he was very motivated by the money (greedy).

The Tone Shift

Unlike the first meaning ('curious'), this meaning describes a negative character trait. When used alone to describe a person, 'interesado' almost always implies they are only looking out for themselves.

hambriento

ahm-bree-EN-tohamˈbɾjen.to

adjectiveB2general
Use 'hambriento' metaphorically to describe an intense, almost insatiable craving for something specific, like power, recognition, or knowledge.
A young boy in bright red running shoes is crouched low at a starting line, looking intensely focused and eager to start running.

Examples

El joven artista estaba hambriento de reconocimiento internacional.

The young artist was hungry for international recognition.

Era una organización hambrienta de poder y control.

It was an organization greedy for power and control.

Confusing ambition with selfishness

Learners often confuse 'ambicioso' and 'interesado'. Remember, 'ambicioso' describes a drive for achievement (which can be positive), while 'interesado' specifically points to greed related to money or personal gain at others' expense.

Related Translations

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