物欲 (wù yù) literally combines 物 (wù), meaning 'material things' or 'objects', and 欲 (yù), meaning 'desire' or 'urge'. Together, it refers to the human tendency to crave physical possessions—such as money, luxury goods, status symbols, or comfort items—not for basic survival but for satisfaction, social comparison, or emotional compensation. It often carries a slightly critical or reflective connotation, implying excess, imbalance, or spiritual distraction.

This term appears frequently in discussions about consumer culture, ethical living, mindfulness, and traditional Chinese philosophy (e.g., Daoist or Buddhist teachings that caution against attachment to material things). While not inherently negative, 物欲 is commonly contrasted with inner contentment, simplicity, or higher ideals like virtue or wisdom. It’s more formal and abstract than everyday terms like 买东西 (buying things) and is rarely used in casual speech without evaluative context.