Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing jealousy depends on the context: romantic jealousy, envy of others' possessions or success, or protective jealousy. The most common word is 嫉妬 (しっと), but other expressions like やきもち and 羨ましい are used in different situations.
Feeling jealous because of a romantic partner's interactions with others
The standard word for romantic jealousy. Can be used as a noun or with する to mean 'to be jealous'.
He is fed up with her jealousy.
Don't be jealous.
A more colloquial and slightly cute term for romantic jealousy. Often used in casual conversation.
She gets jealous easily.
The verb phrase meaning 'to be jealous' in a romantic sense. Literally 'to bake jealousy'.
I get jealous when he talks to other girls.
Loanword from English, used in casual or trendy contexts, often by younger people.
I'm feeling jealous.
Wanting what someone else has, like money, talent, or status
An i-adjective meaning 'envious' or 'jealous' in a non-romantic sense. Often used when you admire something someone else has.
I'm envious of his success.
A verb meaning 'to envy' or 'to be jealous of', often with a negative connotation of resentment.
Similar to 妬む, but more literary and less common. Implies deep-seated envy.
Being vigilant or possessive to guard a relationship or something precious
嫉妬 (しっと) is used for romantic jealousy or when you feel threatened by a rival. 羨ましい (うらやましい) is used for envy of someone's possessions, achievements, or good fortune, without the element of threat. Using 嫉妬 for material envy can sound overly dramatic.
Avoid directly translating 'jealous' as 嫉妬 in all contexts. For example, 'I'm jealous of your new car' should be 羨ましい, not 嫉妬.
That's nice, I'm so jealous!
彼は同僚の昇進を妬んでいる。
He is jealous of his colleague's promotion.
He is jealous of his friend's talent.
My girlfriend is the jealous type and it's a problem.