What's the difference between 'avaro,' 'codicioso,' and 'tacaño'?

These three words occupy different points on the spectrum: 'tacaño' is the mildest (stingy, cheap, won't pay for dinner), 'avaro' is moderate (a miser who hoards wealth), and 'codicioso' is the strongest (consumed by desire for more possessions, power, or money regardless of what they already have).

Is 'goloso' related to being greedy?

The word 'goloso' specifically means greedy for sweets or having a sweet tooth, not greedy for money or possessions—it describes someone who can't resist candy, chocolate, or desserts, making it a much more lighthearted and even endearing term than codicioso or avaro.

How do you say 'greedy' for food in Spanish?

For someone who eats excessively or wants all the food, Spanish speakers use 'glotón/glotona' (glutton), 'tragón/tragona' (informal), or 'comelón/comelona' (big eater), all of which specifically address food greed rather than monetary greed.

Spanish vocabulary · Beginner

How to Say Greedy in Spanish

Written by Sofia Ramirez, Lead Spanish Curriculum Editor · Reviewed May 2026

Codicioso · adjective · koh-dee-see-OH-soh

Greedy translates as 'codicioso' (wanting more) or 'avaro' (refusing to spend/share) in Spanish. These adjectives describe someone with an excessive attachment to money or possessions. Informal alternatives include 'tacaño' (stingy/cheap) and 'ambicioso' (ambitious, sometimes used negatively).

For 'codicioso,' say koh-dee-see-OH-soh with stress on the fourth syllable. For 'avaro,' say ah-BAH-roh. For 'tacaño,' say tah-KAH-nyoh.

Es tan avaro que nunca invita a nadie a comer.

He's so greedy that he never invites anyone to eat.

Greedy in Spanish: Quick Reference

Below are the most common Spanish words for greedy, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.

Spanish	English	Pronunciation	Region / Register
codicioso	greedy	koh-dee-see-OH-soh	Default, widely understood
avaro	greedy		miserly/hoarding
avaricioso	greedy		formal

How Native Speakers Use Codicioso

Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.

Character description

El personaje principal de la novela es un hombre codicioso que destruye todo a su paso.

The main character of the novel is a greedy man who destroys everything in his path.

Using 'codicioso' to describe a literary character driven by acquisition.

Informal complaint

No seas tacaño y comparte las papas con todos.

Don't be greedy and share the chips with everyone.

Using 'tacaño' informally to call someone stingy about sharing.

Business context

Los inversores avaros solo piensan en maximizar ganancias.

Greedy investors only think about maximizing profits.

Criticizing excessive profit-seeking in a business discussion.

Avoid These Mistakes When Using Codicioso

Confusing 'tacaño' with 'codicioso'

Incorrect: Es muy tacaño, quiere comprar otra empresa. (tacaño means stingy)

Correct: Es muy codicioso/ambicioso, quiere comprar otra empresa.

'Tacaño' means stingy (unwilling to spend), while 'codicioso' means greedy (wanting to acquire more). Someone buying companies is codicioso, not tacaño.

Using 'hambriento' for greedy

Incorrect: Es hambriento de poder.

Correct: Es codicioso de poder. / Está sediento de poder.

'Hambriento' means physically hungry and doesn't extend to metaphorical greed in standard Spanish. Use 'codicioso' or 'sediento de' (thirsty for) for figurative desire.

Lock in Greedy Vocabulary with the Parrot Method

Why word lists alone don't stick

Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.

See Codicioso used by native speakers

Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using codicioso in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Es tan avaro que nunca invita a nadie a comer. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.

Save, review, repeat, stay consistent

Tap any word to save it. Parrot's spaced-repetition system surfaces it right before you'd forget, no manual flashcard creation. The watch, parrot back, save, review cycle turns recognition into fluency at 2.7x the speed of traditional study.

Common Questions About Greedy in Spanish

What's the difference between 'avaro,' 'codicioso,' and 'tacaño'?: These three words occupy different points on the spectrum: 'tacaño' is the mildest (stingy, cheap, won't pay for dinner), 'avaro' is moderate (a miser who hoards wealth), and 'codicioso' is the strongest (consumed by desire for more possessions, power, or money regardless of what they already have).
Is 'goloso' related to being greedy?: The word 'goloso' specifically means greedy for sweets or having a sweet tooth, not greedy for money or possessions—it describes someone who can't resist candy, chocolate, or desserts, making it a much more lighthearted and even endearing term than codicioso or avaro.
How do you say 'greedy' for food in Spanish?: For someone who eats excessively or wants all the food, Spanish speakers use 'glotón/glotona' (glutton), 'tragón/tragona' (informal), or 'comelón/comelona' (big eater), all of which specifically address food greed rather than monetary greed.