Spanish vocabulary · Advanced
Lust in Spanish: Lujuria & Deseo — Meaning, Usage & Context
Lujuria · noun (feminine) · loo-HOO-ree-ah
Lust in Spanish is lujuria when referring to the intense, often morally charged sense of the word, as in the seven deadly sins. For a broader or neutral sense of desire, deseo is the preferred term.
Lujuria is pronounced loo-HOO-ree-ah with the stress on the second syllable. Deseo is deh-SEH-oh.
La lujuria es considerada uno de los siete pecados capitales.
Lust is considered one of the seven deadly sins.
Lust in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for lust, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| lujuria | lust | loo-HOO-ree-ah | Default, widely understood |
| deseo | lust | desire — broader and less intense | |
| lascivia | lust | formal / literary |
How Native Speakers Use Lujuria
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Religious or moral context
En la tradición católica, la lujuria lleva al pecado.
In Catholic tradition, lust leads to sin.
Lujuria carries a strong moral or religious connotation.
Literary description
Sus ojos reflejaban un deseo incontrolable.
His eyes reflected an uncontrollable desire.
Deseo is used in literature and film to convey intense longing without the moral weight of lujuria.
Describing a character flaw
La lujuria del rey fue su perdición.
The king's lust was his downfall.
In historical or narrative contexts, lujuria describes a destructive excess.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Lujuria
Using lujuria when deseo is more appropriate
Incorrect: Siento lujuria por aprender idiomas.
Correct: Siento deseo de aprender idiomas.
Lujuria specifically refers to carnal or sinful craving. For non-sexual enthusiasm or desire, use deseo or pasión instead.
Confusing lujuria with lujo
Incorrect: Vive en la lujuria. (intending luxury)
Correct: Vive en el lujo.
Lujuria means lust, while lujo means luxury. Despite sounding similar, they have completely different meanings.
Why Lust Matters in Spanish-Speaking Cultures
Lock in Lust 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 Lujuria used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using lujuria in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear La lujuria es considerada uno de los siete pecados capitales. 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 Lust in Spanish
- Is lujuria always negative in Spanish?
- In standard usage, yes. Lujuria carries a morally negative connotation tied to excess and sin. For neutral or positive senses of desire or passion, Spanish speakers use deseo or pasión.
- What is the adjective form of lujuria?
- The adjective is lujurioso (masculine) and lujuriosa (feminine), meaning lustful. Example: una mirada lujuriosa (a lustful gaze).
- How is lust different from love in Spanish vocabulary?
- Lust (lujuria) implies excessive physical craving, while love (amor) encompasses emotional connection and affection. Deseo sits between them, covering desire that may be physical, emotional, or aspirational.