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.
彼は彼女の嫉妬にうんざりしている。
He's fed up with her jealousy.
嫉妬しないで。
Don't be jealous.
A common, slightly lighter expression for romantic jealousy. Literally 'to bake grilled rice cakes', but used idiomatically.
彼氏が他の女の子と話すと、すぐやきもちを焼いちゃう。
I get jealous right away when my boyfriend talks to other girls.
Loanword from English, used in casual or trendy contexts, often by younger people.
ジェラシー感じる？
Do you feel jealous?
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.
彼の新しい車が羨ましい。
I'm envious of his new car.
羨ましいなあ。
I'm so jealous! (lighthearted)
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.
人の成功を嫉む。
To envy others' success.
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.
妹はお母さんが赤ちゃんばかりかまうので、やきもちを焼いている。
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.
友達が他の友達と仲良くしているのを見て、嫉妬を感じた。
I felt jealous seeing my friend getting along with another friend.
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.
彼の才能が羨ましい。
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.
いいなあ！
Lucky you! / I'm so jealous! (positive)
妬みから悪口を言う。
To say bad things out of envy.