Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing jealousy depends on the type: romantic jealousy, envy of others' possessions or success, or even positive admiration. The most common word is 嫉妬, but it's often too strong for casual use. Learners should distinguish between 嫉妬 (romantic/sexual jealousy), 羨ましい (envy), and 妬み (spiteful envy).
Feeling threatened by a rival in love or a partner's attention to someone else.
The standard word for romantic jealousy. It can be used as a noun or with する to mean 'to be jealous'. Often considered a strong emotion.
He's fed up with her jealousy.
Don't be jealous.
A common, slightly lighter expression for romantic jealousy. Literally 'to bake grilled rice cakes', but used idiomatically.
Loanword from English, used in casual or trendy contexts, often by younger people.
Wanting what someone else has, without romantic context.
An i-adjective meaning 'envious' or 'jealous' in the sense of wishing you had something someone else has. It can be used positively without malice.
I'm envious of his new car.
A noun meaning 'envy' with a stronger, more negative connotation, often implying resentment or spite.
A verb meaning 'to envy' with a strong sense of resentment. Less common in daily speech.
Feeling jealous when someone you care about pays attention to others, like a friend or family member.
Also used for non-romantic jealousy, like a child being jealous of a new sibling or a friend feeling left out.
My little sister is jealous because Mom only pays attention to the baby.
Can be used in non-romantic contexts, but often sounds too strong or dramatic.
嫉妬 (shitto) is primarily romantic/sexual jealousy or intense possessiveness. 羨ましい (urayamashii) is envy of someone's advantages, often without ill will. 妬み (netami) is malicious envy. Using 嫉妬 for simple envy can sound overly dramatic.
I'm envious of his talent. (not 嫉妬)
When English speakers say 'I'm so jealous!' as a lighthearted compliment, 嫉妬 is too heavy. Use 羨ましい or いいなあ instead.
Lucky you! / I'm so jealous! (positive)
I get jealous right away when my boyfriend talks to other girls.
ジェラシー感じる？
Do you feel jealous?
I'm so jealous! (lighthearted)
妬みから悪口を言う。
To say bad things out of envy.
To envy others' success.
I felt jealous seeing my friend getting along with another friend.