Inklingo

How to Say "greedy" in Spanish

English → Spanish

interesado

een-teh-reh-SAH-doh/in.te.reˈsa.ðo/

adjectiveB1
Use 'interesado' when describing someone whose actions are motivated by personal financial gain or self-interest, implying they are not acting out of 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-toh//amˈbɾjen.to/

adjectiveB2
Use 'hambriento' metaphorically to describe an intense, almost insatiable desire for something abstract like power, success, or recognition.
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.

Interesado vs. Hambriento

Learners often confuse 'interesado' and 'hambriento'. Remember that 'interesado' specifically relates to money or personal gain, while 'hambriento' describes a strong desire for abstract things like power or fame.

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