Proverb / Kotowaza
望蜀
To desire even more after achieving one goal, illustrating that human greed is limitless.
to desire the land of Shu
Quick Answer
To desire even more after achieving one goal, illustrating that human greed is limitless.
- Literal Image
- to desire the land of Shu
- How to Use It
- Used to describe a person's insatiable desires or to comment on how one ambition leads directly to the next.
Meaning
Derived from the historical situation of wanting the land of Shu after already conquering the land of Long. It describes the tendency for people to never be truly satisfied, where fulfilling one wish immediately leads to wanting something even greater.
Literal Image
to desire the land of Shu
How to Use It
Used to describe a person's insatiable desires or to comment on how one ambition leads directly to the next.
Tone
Carries a critical or reflective tone regarding the nature of greed.
Examples
昇進したばかりなのにもう次のポストを狙うとは、望蜀の感がある。
Aiming for the next position right after being promoted feels like a case of insatiable ambition.
一つ願いが叶えば、さらに大きな願いが生まれる。人間の欲は望蜀に尽きない。
Once one wish is granted, an even bigger one is born. Human greed knows no bounds.
マイホームを手に入れたら今度は別荘が欲しくなった。望蜀とはこのことだ。
After getting my own home, now I want a vacation house. This is exactly what they mean by never being satisfied.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
This is a kogo (literary/classical) compound consisting of two kanji that are not part of basic everyday vocabulary, requiring knowledge of source context.
望
ぼう / bou
desire, hope, look for
蜀
しょく / shoku
Shu (an ancient Chinese state)
Usage Profile
Usage note: Using this can sound very formal or intellectual; it can be used in the phrase '望蜀の感がある' (boushoku no kan ga aru).
Misread Risk
Do not confuse this with healthy ambition or goal-setting; it specifically emphasizes the 'insatiable' or 'greedy' aspect of human nature.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
When Cao Cao of Wei captured the region of Long, he remarked, 'Humans do not know satisfaction; I too, having secured Long, now desire the land of Shu.'
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Source Note
Where did this entry get its data from? The reference links are listed below. To understand how to read this section, see Data Sources.