Translation guide
Expressing that you feel someone does not deserve something, or that you are reluctant to give or allow something.
To express that you think someone does not deserve their success, possessions, or good fortune, often with a sense of envy or resentment.
I begrudge him his success.
It galls me that he gets praised.
Expresses envy or jealousy, implying that you resent someone's good fortune. Stronger and more emotional than 悔しい.
I begrudge her happiness.
A more formal and indirect way to say you are not pleased about someone's success or advantage, implying begrudging feelings.
Some people begrudge his promotion.
Literally 'to begrudge' or 'to be sparing with', but can be used to express reluctance to acknowledge someone's merit. Often used in set phrases.
No one begrudges his achievements.
To express that you are unwilling to give something, spend money, or allow something, often because you feel it is too much or undeserved.
The most direct equivalent for 'begrudge' in the sense of being reluctant to give or spend. Often used with money, time, or effort.
He doesn't begrudge spending money.
I studied, begrudging every moment.
Specifically means to be stingy or reluctant to give out something, like money or information. Stronger nuance of withholding.
Means to hesitate or be reluctant to do something, often because you don't want to give or spend. Conveys a sense of begrudging.
Casual and slightly negative slang for being stingy or begrudging every penny. Used among friends or in informal contexts.
Don't begrudge every little thing.
There is no single Japanese verb that covers all uses of 'begrudge'. Translating directly as 惜しむ may sound unnatural in contexts of envy. Use 悔しい or 妬ましい for resentment, and 惜しむ for reluctance to give.
悔しい (kuyashii) is frustration or regret, often about one's own failure or someone else's undeserved success. 妬ましい (netamashii) is stronger envy or jealousy, implying you wish they didn't have it. 妬ましい can sound more negative and personal.
He begrudged sharing the information.
He begrudged making a donation.