yen
Translation
craving, longing, yearning
Examples
I have a yen for some chocolate.
I have a craving for some chocolate.
She felt a yen to travel the world.
She felt a longing to travel the world.
Grammar Patterns
((for sth.)) a strong desire for (sth.) I have a yen for adventure.
((to do sth.)) a strong desire to do (sth.) She has a yen to see the world.
Similar Words
Synonyms: craving, longing, desire, urge; Antonyms: aversion, dislike
Etymology
From Cantonese `yān` (癮) meaning 'craving' (for opium). Unrelated to the Japanese currency.
Memory Tips
Imagine 'yearning' for something. The 'ye' sound is similar.