Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Envy" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "envy", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
妬む
ねたむ (netamu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
羨む
うらやむ (urayamu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "envy" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 妬む and 羨む.
In Japanese, 妬む (ねたむ (netamu)) is typically associated with "envy; be jealous of; begrudge" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to envying someone, being jealous of their success, popularity, or happiness, and harboring resentful feelings.
On the other hand, 羨む (うらやむ (urayamu)) maps to "envy; be jealous of; covet; wish to be like" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to envying someone's fortunate situation, talent, or possessions, or wishing to be in their position. A literal translation of "envy" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "妬む"
同僚の華々しい成功を心から祝福できず、影で_______てしまうのは人間の弱さです。
Not being able to sincerely congratulate a colleague's spectacular success and envying them in the shadow is human weakness.
Bilingual Context for "羨む"
周囲から_______ほどの仲の良い夫婦でしたが、些細なすれ違いから別れてしまいました。
They were a couple so close that they were envied by those around them, but they separated due to minor misunderstandings.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "同僚の華々しい成功を心から祝福できず、影で_______てしまうのは人間の弱さです。" (Meaning: "Not being able to sincerely congratulate a colleague's spectacular success and envying them in the shadow is human weakness.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "妬む" fits here because it means "envy; be jealous of; begrudge" in the context of: "Not being able to sincerely congratulate a colleague's spectacular success and envying them in the shadow is human weakness.". "羨む" represents "envy; be jealous of; covet; wish to be like".