Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Envy" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "envy", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
羨む
うらやむ (urayamu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
羨望
せんぼう (senbō)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "envy" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 羨む and 羨望.
In Japanese, 羨む (うらやむ (urayamu)) is typically associated with "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.
On the other hand, 羨望 (せんぼう (senbō)) maps to "envy; admiration; coveting; look up with envy" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to looking up to someone with envy, admiration, or coveting their superior status, looks, or luck. A literal translation of "envy" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Bilingual Context for "羨望"
彼は若くして大成功を収め、業界の若手たちから_______の的となりました。
Having achieved great success at a young age, he became the target of envy for the young minds in the industry.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "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。" (Meaning: "They were a couple so close that they were envied by those around them, but they separated due to minor misunderstandings.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "羨む" fits here because it means "envy; be jealous of; covet; wish to be like" in the context of: "They were a couple so close that they were envied by those around them, but they separated due to minor misunderstandings.". "羨望" represents "envy; admiration; coveting; look up with envy".