Inklingo

How to Say "lust" in Spanish

English → Spanish

deseos

deh-SEH-ohsdeˈse.os

nounB2general
Use 'deseos' when referring to general strong cravings or yearnings, which can include physical or sensual desires but are not exclusively sexual.
A high quality simple colorful storybook illustration of a figure gazing intensely and longingly at a single, vibrant red apple on a pedestal, symbolizing craving.

Examples

La novela describe los deseos ocultos del protagonista.

The novel describes the protagonist's hidden desires (or lusts).

Sus deseos por el poder lo llevaron a la traición.

His desire for power led him to betrayal.

lujuria

loo-HOO-ryahluˈxu.ɾja

nounB2formal/religious
Use 'lujuria' specifically for intense sexual desire, or when referring to it in a moral or religious context, such as one of the seven deadly sins.
A vibrant illustration of a glowing red heart surrounded by swirling, warm flames on a simple background.

Examples

En la Divina Comedia, Dante describe el castigo por la lujuria.

In the Divine Comedy, Dante describes the punishment for lust.

Sus ojos se llenaron de lujuria al ver las joyas sobre la mesa.

His eyes filled with a greedy lust upon seeing the jewels on the table.

Ella cree que la lujuria es una emoción natural pero peligrosa.

She believes that lust is a natural but dangerous emotion.

Always Feminine

Lujuria is always a feminine noun. Even if you are talking about a man's desire, you must use 'la' or 'una' (e.g., 'la lujuria de él').

Abstract Use

Like many abstract concepts in Spanish, we usually use the definite article 'la' before it when speaking generally, such as saying 'La lujuria es...' instead of just 'Lujuria es...'.

Lujuria vs. Lujo

Mistake: “Using 'lujuria' to describe an expensive lifestyle.”

Correction: Use 'lujo' for luxury (fancy cars, hotels) and 'lujuria' for lust (internal desire). Saying 'Vivo en la lujuria' sounds like you live in a den of sin, not a mansion!

Lust vs. General Desire

Learners often confuse 'deseos' and 'lujuria' by using 'lujuria' for any strong craving. Remember, 'lujuria' is specifically for intense sexual desire or the sin, while 'deseos' is broader and can encompass non-sexual yearnings.

Related Translations

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