Translation guide
Expressing envy in Japanese depends on whether you are simply admiring something, feeling jealous of a person, or expressing resentment. The most common and natural way is to use 羨ましい (urayamashii) for positive or light envy, while 妬ましい (netamashii) and related words carry stronger, negative jealousy. Often, Japanese speakers soften envy by phrasing it as admiration or using indirect expressions.
Expressing that you wish you had something someone else has, without negative feelings. Often used as a compliment.
The most common and natural way to say 'I'm envious' in a positive or light sense. It can be used for things, situations, or abilities. Often said directly to the person as a compliment.
That's so nice, I'm envious!
I'm envious of his new car.
A more formal and emphatic way to express envy, often used in polite conversation or writing. Literally 'it is nothing but enviable'.
I am truly envious of your success.
An emphatic expression meaning 'I'm so envious I can't stand it'. Used in casual conversation.
I'm so envious of her talent I can't stand it.
Expressing bitter envy or jealousy, often with a sense of resentment or ill will. Use with caution as it can sound very negative.
Means 'jealous' or 'envious' with a strong negative connotation. It implies resentment and is less commonly used than 羨ましい. Often used when someone has something you feel you deserve.
I'm bitterly envious of his success.
A verb meaning 'to be jealous' or 'to envy', often used for romantic jealousy or intense envy. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts but often carries a stronger emotional weight.
A literary or formal verb meaning 'to envy' or 'to be jealous of'. It is less common in everyday speech and often appears in written language.
Expressing envy indirectly to avoid sounding too direct or negative. Common in polite conversation.
A very common and casual way to express light envy or admiration. It literally means 'how nice' and implies envy without directly stating it. Often used with a sighing tone.
I'm so envious, I want to go too.
Literally means 'unfair' or 'sly', but is often used playfully to express envy, like 'no fair!' or 'you're so lucky'. Common among friends.
A softer way to express envy by framing it as a thought. It can be used to admit envy without sounding too direct.
Saying '私はあなたを羨ましい' (Watashi wa anata o urayamashii) is grammatically incorrect and unnatural. Instead, use '羨ましい' alone or with the thing you envy as the subject (e.g., 'あなたの車が羨ましい').
I'm envious of your car.
羨ましい (urayamashii) is used for positive or light envy, often as a compliment. 妬ましい (netamashii) implies resentment and is much stronger and negative. Use 羨ましい unless you want to express bitterness.
He is jealous of his friend's success.
You must not envy the happiness of others.
えー、ずるい！一人だけ休みなんて。
Hey, no fair! You're the only one who gets a day off.
When I saw his new house, I thought 'I'm so envious'.