羨み in 30 Sekunden
- 羨み (urayami) means envy or a strong desire for what others have.
- It's a common human emotion related to social comparison.
- Often used with verbs like 'feel' or 'envy', or as the adjective 'urayamashii'.
- Pay attention to particles like を (o) marking the object of envy.
The Japanese word 羨み (pronounced urayama) describes the feeling of envy or a desire for something that another person possesses. It’s a complex emotion that can range from mild covetousness to a more intense longing. This feeling often arises when we perceive someone else having something desirable, such as possessions, achievements, relationships, or even qualities like talent or good fortune. It’s a common human experience, and understanding its nuances in Japanese can significantly enhance your comprehension of social interactions and personal feelings.
- Nuances of Envy
- 羨み isn't always negative. Sometimes, it can be a motivator, inspiring someone to work harder to achieve similar success. However, it can also lead to feelings of inadequacy or resentment if not managed healthily.
- When It Appears
- You might hear or read this word in discussions about personal aspirations, social comparisons, or when describing someone’s reaction to another’s good fortune. It can appear in literature, everyday conversations, and even in introspective writings.
彼の成功を羨み、自分も頑張ろうと思った。
彼女の才能に羨みを感じた。
- Emotional Spectrum
- The intensity of 羨み can vary greatly. It can be a fleeting thought when seeing a friend’s new car, or a persistent feeling when observing someone achieve a lifelong dream that you also harbor. The Japanese language often captures these subtle emotional shades through context and related expressions.
- Cultural Context
- In Japanese culture, overt displays of envy might be considered impolite. Therefore, expressions related to envy are often phrased subtly or understood implicitly through social cues and the surrounding conversation.
彼の自由な生活を羨みたくなる時がある。
Using 羨み effectively involves understanding its grammatical role and the typical sentence structures it appears in. Primarily, it functions as a noun, representing the feeling itself. However, it is very commonly used in conjunction with verbs like 感じる (kanjiru - to feel) or 抱く (idaku - to hold/harbor), or as part of a verb phrase like 羨む (urayamu - to envy, verb form). The object of envy is typically marked with the particle を (o).
- Basic Structure
- The most straightforward way to use 羨み is to state that someone feels envy towards something. For example: 「私は彼の才能を羨みます。」 (Watashi wa kare no sainō o urayami masu.) - 'I envy his talent.'
- With Verbs
- Combining 羨み with verbs adds more depth. 「彼女は友人の新しい家を羨みを感じた。」 (Kanojo wa yūjin no atarashii ie o urayami o kanjita.) - 'She felt envy towards her friend's new house.' Or, using the verb form: 「彼は彼女の流暢な英語を羨んだ。」 (Kare wa kanojo no ryūchō na eigo o urayanda.) - 'He envied her fluent English.'
子供たちは、おもちゃで遊ぶ他の子供たちを羨ましそうに見ていた。
- Describing the Feeling
- You can also use adjectival forms or adverbs to describe the manner of envy. For instance, 「羨ましい」 (urayamashii) is the adjective form, meaning 'enviable' or 'jealous.' 「彼は羨ましい気持ちになった。」 (Kare wa urayamashī kimochi ni natta.) - 'He felt an envious feeling.'
- Expressing Desire
- Sometimes, 羨み is used to express a strong desire for something. 「いつか彼のような家を持つことを羨みます。」 (Itsuka kare no yō na ie o motsu koto o urayami masu.) - 'I envy having a house like his someday.'
彼女の自由な時間割を羨みました。
You'll encounter 羨み and its related forms in a variety of real-life situations and media. Understanding these contexts helps solidify your grasp of the word. Listen for it in conversations where people discuss their aspirations, compare their lives to others, or react to good news or possessions of friends and acquaintances. It’s a word that reflects common human emotions and social dynamics.
- Everyday Conversations
- In casual chats, you might hear someone say 「あー、彼の車、羨ましいな。」 (Ā, kare no kuruma, urayamashī na.) - 'Ah, his car, I envy it.' Or, when discussing someone's achievements: 「彼女の昇進を羨みつつ、自分も頑張ろうと思う。」 (Kanojo no shōshin o urayami tsutsu, jibun mo ganbarō to omou.) - 'While envying her promotion, I also think I should work harder.'
- Media and Entertainment
- In Japanese dramas, anime, and movies, characters might express envy towards rivals, friends, or even strangers. A character might lament, 「どうして私にはあんな幸運が訪れないんだろう、羨ましい。」 (Dōshite watashi ni wa anna kōun ga otozurenai n darō, urayamashī.) - 'Why doesn't such good luck come to me? I envy it.'
彼の自由な時間と旅行の写真を羨ましく思った。
- Literature and Writing
- In novels and essays, authors might delve into the psychological aspects of envy, using 羨み to describe a character's inner turmoil or their observations of societal comparisons. A passage might read: 「隣人の成功に羨みの念を抱きつつも、それを表に出すことはなかった。」 (Rinjin no seikō ni urayami no nen o idaki tsutsu mo, sore o omo-dasu koto wa nakatta.) - 'While harboring feelings of envy towards his neighbor's success, he did not express it.'
- Online Content and Social Media
- On social media platforms, people might post comments like 「友達の海外旅行の写真を見て、羨ましい！」 (Tomodachi no kaigai ryokō no shashin o mite, urayamashī!) - 'Looking at my friend's photos of their overseas trip, I'm envious!' This shows how the word is used in informal, contemporary contexts.
彼の才能を羨み、自分も努力することを誓った。
When learning 羨み, learners often make a few common errors that can lead to misunderstandings or awkward phrasing. Being aware of these pitfalls can help you use the word more accurately and naturally.
- Confusing Noun and Verb Forms
- A frequent mistake is using the noun 羨み (urayami) where the verb 羨む (urayamu) is more appropriate, or vice versa. For example, saying 「私は彼の成功を羨みます。」 (Watashi wa kare no seikō o urayami masu.) is grammatically incorrect if you intend to say 'I envy his success.' The correct form would be 「私は彼の成功を羨みます。」 (Watashi wa kare no seikō o urayami masu.) using the verb. Using the noun often requires a verb like 感じる (kanjiru - to feel) or 抱く (idaku - to hold), e.g., 「私は彼の成功に羨みを感じます。」 (Watashi wa kare no seikō ni urayami o kanjimasu.) - 'I feel envy towards his success.'
- Incorrect Particle Usage
- The object of envy is usually marked by the particle を (o). Learners might mistakenly use other particles like が (ga) or に (ni) directly with the noun 羨み when it's the direct object of the feeling. For instance, 「彼の才能が羨み」 is incorrect. The correct structure is 「彼の才能を羨む」 or 「彼の才能に羨みを感じる」.
間違った使い方：彼の成功を羨みを感じる。
- Overusing the Noun Form
- While 羨み is a valid noun, in many everyday contexts, the adjective 羨ましい (urayamashii) or the verb 羨む (urayamu) are more natural and frequently used. Relying solely on the noun can make your speech sound stiff or overly formal. For example, instead of 「その状況は羨みである。」 (Sono jōkyō wa urayami de aru.), it's more common to say 「その状況は羨ましい。」 (Sono jōkyō wa urayamashī.) - 'That situation is enviable.'
- Literal Translation Issues
- English speakers might sometimes translate 'envy' too directly without considering the Japanese nuance. For instance, trying to express a slightly negative or resentful envy might require different phrasing or vocabulary in Japanese than a simple translation of 'envy' would suggest. The Japanese word often carries a sense of longing or admiration alongside the envy.
間違った使い方：彼の才能が羨み。
While 羨み (urayami) specifically refers to envy or a desire for what others have, Japanese offers several other words and phrases that touch upon similar emotions or situations. Understanding these alternatives helps you express yourself with greater precision.
- 羨ましい (Urayamashii) - Adjective
- This is the adjective form and is perhaps the most common way to express the concept of envy or something being enviable in everyday conversation. It's more direct and frequently used than the noun 羨み.
Example: 「彼の新しい家は本当に羨ましい。」 (Kare no atarashii ie wa hontō ni urayamashī.) - 'His new house is truly enviable.' - 羨む (Urayamu) - Verb
- This is the verb form, meaning 'to envy.' It's also very common and used when directly stating the action of envying someone or something.
Example: 「私は彼女の才能を羨む。」 (Watashi wa kanojo no sainō o urayamu.) - 'I envy her talent.'
Comparison: While 羨み refers to the feeling itself, 羨む is the act of experiencing that feeling.
羨み (noun) vs. 羨ましい (adjective): The former is the feeling, the latter describes something as enviable.
- 嫉妬 (Shitto) - Noun
- This word translates to 'jealousy,' which is related but distinct from envy. Jealousy often involves a fear of losing something you already possess, especially in relationships, whereas envy is about desiring what someone else has. However, in common usage, the lines can sometimes blur.
Example: 「彼は彼女の親友との関係に嫉妬していた。」 (Kare wa kanojo no shin'yū to no kankei ni shitto shite ita.) - 'He was jealous of her relationship with her best friend.'
Difference: 羨み is wanting what someone else has; 嫉妬 is fearing someone else will take what you have or have it instead of you. - 羨望 (Senbō) - Noun
- This word also means 'envy' or 'admiration,' often carrying a slightly more formal or literary tone than 羨み. It can imply a deeper, more profound longing or admiration for someone's qualities or achievements.
Example: 「彼の偉業に対する羨望の念を抱いた。」 (Kare no igyō ni taisuru senbō no nen o idaita.) - 'I harbored feelings of admiration/envy towards his great achievement.'
Nuance: 羨望 can sometimes lean more towards admiration than pure envy.
嫉妬 is about fear of loss, 羨み is about desire for possession.
- 憧れ (Akogare) - Noun
- This word means 'longing,' 'yearning,' or 'admiration.' It's a positive emotion, often directed towards someone or something you deeply admire and wish to emulate. While it involves desiring what someone else has, it lacks the negative undertones of envy.
Example: 「彼女は歌手になることを憧れている。」 (Kanojo wa kashu ni naru koto o akogarete iru.) - 'She longs to become a singer.'
Distinction: 憧れ is aspirational and positive, whereas 羨み can be tinged with negativity or dissatisfaction.
How Formal Is It?
Wusstest du?
The kanji 羨 itself is quite rare and primarily used for this specific word and its derivatives. Its complexity hints at the nuanced emotion it represents. The character's structure might also be interpreted as 'a person (員) who desires what the sheep (羊) has', emphasizing the core of envy.
Aussprachehilfe
- Pronouncing the 'u' as a long 'oo' sound.
- Not distinguishing between the tapped 'r' and a hard 'r'.
- Misplacing the stress on the first or last syllable.
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Understanding 羨み requires grasping the nuance of envy, which can be complex. Texts discussing social comparisons, personal aspirations, or character psychology will likely use this word. Learners should pay attention to context to differentiate it from admiration or jealousy.
Using 羨み correctly in writing involves choosing the appropriate form (noun, verb, adjective) and particle usage. Overuse of the noun form or incorrect particle placement are common mistakes. Aim for natural phrasing using related terms like 羨ましい or 羨む.
In spoken Japanese, 羨ましい and 羨む are more common than the noun 羨み. Learners should practice using these forms in conversational contexts, paying attention to tone and social appropriateness.
Listen for the sounds and context surrounding 羨み, 羨ましい, and 羨む. Native speakers often use these words in casual conversations about everyday life, achievements, and possessions.
Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest
Voraussetzungen
Als Nächstes lernen
Fortgeschritten
Wichtige Grammatik
Using particles with nouns and verbs.
The object of envy is often marked with を (o) when using the verb 羨む (urayamu). For example: 彼の才能を羨む (Kare no sainō o urayamu) - To envy his talent. When using the noun 羨み with 感じる (kanjiru), the particle に (ni) is often used: 彼の才能に羨みを感じる (Kare no sainō ni urayami o kanjiru) - To feel envy towards his talent.
Forming adjectives from nouns.
The noun 羨み (urayami) can be used to form the adjective 羨ましい (urayamashii) by adding しい (-shii). This adjective means 'enviable' or 'jealous'. For example: 羨ましい状況 (urayamashii jōkyō) - an enviable situation.
Using ～がる (-garu) to express perceived emotions.
The verb 羨ましがる (urayamashigaru) is formed by adding ～がる to the adjective stem. It means 'to look envious' or 'to seem envious', describing how someone appears to be feeling envy. For example: 子供たちがそれを羨ましがっていた (Kodomo-tachi ga sore o urayamashigatte ita) - The children looked envious of that.
Expressing intensity with intensifiers.
Words like 本当に (hontō ni - truly) or 限りだ (kagiri da - extremely) can be used with 羨ましい to emphasize the degree of envy. For example: 本当に羨ましい (hontō ni urayamashii) - truly enviable; 羨ましい限りだ (urayamashii kagiri da) - extremely enviable.
Using particles to indicate the object of comparison.
When comparing oneself to others, particles like と (to) or より (yori) might be used implicitly or explicitly in sentences involving envy. For example: 彼と比べると、自分は羨むばかりだ (Kare to kuraberu to, jibun wa urayamu bakari da) - Compared to him, I can only envy.
Beispiele nach Niveau
That child has a nice toy.
Use the adjective form for 'enviable'.
Focus on the adjective form.
I want a car like that.
Express desire for something someone else has.
Use the verb form.
Her success makes me want to try.
Envy as a motivator.
Relate envy to effort.
That house looks amazing.
Describe something as enviable.
Use the adjective form.
He has a lot of free time.
Express envy for someone's lifestyle.
Focus on the object of envy.
I wish I could travel like that.
Desire for someone's experiences.
Use the verb form.
She has a talent I don't have.
Envy of skills or abilities.
Specify the talent.
It's nice to have friends like yours.
Envy of relationships.
Focus on relationships.
I envy his ability to speak many languages.
Use the verb form 'urayamu' and specify the ability.
Object of envy marked by を (o).
Her cooking skills are truly enviable.
Use the adjective form 'urayamashii' to describe the skills.
Adjective modifies the noun.
I often envy people who can relax easily.
Express envy for a personality trait or habit.
General statement about people.
He envied his friend's new job opportunity.
Use the noun 'urayami' with 'kanjiru' (to feel) or the verb 'urayamu'.
Consider using 羨みを感じる.
I envy the freedom she has.
Envy of abstract concepts like freedom.
Focus on the abstract noun.
Looking at their vacation photos, I felt envious.
Use the adjective form 'urayamashii' to describe the feeling.
Feeling described with ～気持ちになった.
She envies the attention he receives.
Envy of recognition or popularity.
Object of envy is 'attention'.
I envy your optimism.
Envy of a positive attitude.
Focus on the positive trait.
彼の流暢な語学力には羨みを感じずにはいられない。
Use the noun 'urayami' with 'kanjiru' and add emphasis.
～ずにはいられない expresses an unavoidable feeling.
彼女の子供たちは皆、才能豊かで羨ましい限りだ。
Use the adjective 'urayamashii' with an intensifier.
限りだ emphasizes the degree of the adjective.
成功した友人たちの姿を見て、彼は羨みと同時に刺激を受けた。
Use the noun 'urayami' alongside another feeling.
Connect envy with inspiration.
その自由な生活様式を羨む気持ちは、多くの人が抱くだろう。
Use the noun 'urayami' as the object of 'idaku' (to hold/harbor).
抱く is used for abstract feelings.
彼の決断力と行動力は、羨ましいだけでなく、学ぶべき点が多い。
Use the adjective 'urayamashii' and suggest learning from it.
Envy can lead to learning.
彼女が持つ穏やかな性格を、私は心から羨んでいる。
Use the verb 'urayamu' with an adverb.
心から emphasizes sincerity.
競争社会において、他者の成功を羨むのは避けられない感情かもしれない。
Use the noun 'urayami' in a more philosophical context.
Discussing the inevitability of envy.
彼の作品に対する批評家の評価は、多くの作家が羨むところだろう。
Use the noun 'urayami' in a professional context.
Envy in a professional field.
彼の多岐にわたる才能と、それを活かす機会に恵まれている状況は、多くの人が羨みを感じる対象である。
Use the noun 'urayami' as the object of 'kanjiru' and describe the situation.
Complex sentence structure with multiple clauses.
子供の頃から抱いてきた夢を、彼は着実に実現させている。その過程は、羨ましいという言葉だけでは言い表せないほどの感動を伴う。
Use 'urayamashii' and express that it's more than just envy.
Expressing complex emotions beyond simple envy.
彼女が持つ、どんな困難にも立ち向かう精神力は、単なる羨みを超えた尊敬の念を抱かせる。
Use 'urayami' and contrast it with respect.
Distinguishing envy from admiration/respect.
現代社会では、SNSを通じて他者の華やかな生活を目にする機会が増え、羨みや劣等感に苛まれる人も少なくない。
Use the noun 'urayami' in the context of social media and its effects.
Social commentary on envy and social media.
彼の創造性とそれを形にする実行力は、まさに羨望の的であり、多くのクリエイターがその境地を羨むだろう。
Use 'senbō' (admiration/envy) and 'urayamu' together.
Using related vocabulary for nuance.
人々の幸福の尺度は様々だが、他者の幸福を素直に祝福できず、羨みを感じてしまう自分に気づくと、自己嫌悪に陥ることがある。
Discuss the psychological aspect of envy and self-criticism.
Exploring the negative self-perception associated with envy.
彼女は、自分の置かれた状況に満足せず、常に他者の持つものを羨み、満たされない思いを抱え続けている。
Use 'urayami' to describe a persistent state of dissatisfaction.
Describing a character trait.
彼の成功は、単なる幸運ではなく、長年の努力と才能の賜物であり、それを理解した上で、我々は彼の成果を羨むべきだろう。
Use 'urayamu' after acknowledging the effort behind success.
Envy based on understanding effort.
その芸術家の作品に込められた情熱と独創性は、同業の者ならば誰もが羨むべき対象であり、同時に深い敬意を抱かざるを得ない。
Use 'urayamu' in a professional context, emphasizing respect.
Nuanced expression of admiration and envy.
人生における成功の定義は人それぞれだが、他者の達成を素直に喜び、自身の歩む道に集中できない限り、羨みという感情は常に付きまとうことになる。
Use 'urayami' in a philosophical discussion about success and happiness.
Exploring the philosophical implications of envy.
彼女は、恵まれた環境に甘んじることなく、常に自らの限界に挑戦し、それを乗り越える姿は、羨むというよりはむしろ、人間としての在り方そのものへの憧憬の念を抱かせる。
Use 'urayamu' and contrast it with 'akogare' (longing/admiration).
Differentiating envy from profound admiration.
現代社会における情報過多は、人々の間に無用な比較を生み出し、自己肯定感を低下させ、結果として他者への羨みや虚無感を増幅させる要因となっている。
Use 'urayami' in a socio-psychological analysis.
Analyzing the societal impact of envy.
彼の持つ、困難な状況下でも冷静さを失わない精神力は、単なる羨望の対象というだけでなく、我々が学ぶべき普遍的な人間的資質である。
Use 'senbō' (admiration/envy) and emphasize learning from it.
Identifying admirable qualities that evoke envy.
他者の幸福を心から祝福できないという自己の弱さを自覚した時、人は初めて、その羨みの感情の根源と向き合うことを余儀なくされる。
Use 'urayami' in a context of self-awareness and introspection.
Introspection on the roots of envy.
彼女の生き様は、羨むべき成功譚というよりも、むしろ、逆境を乗り越え、人間性を深めていく過程そのものにこそ、深い感銘を与える。
Use 'urayamu' and frame it as less about success and more about the journey.
Focusing on the process over the outcome.
現代の企業文化においては、個々の才能や成果を認め、それを称賛することで、健全な競争意識と、健全な意味での羨みを生み出すことが重要である。
Use 'urayami' in a business context, emphasizing a positive form of envy.
Positive framing of envy in a professional setting.
彼の人生における比類なき成功は、単に物質的な豊かさや社会的地位の獲得に留まらず、むしろ、その過程で培われた揺るぎない精神性と、他者への深い共感といった人間的資質において、我々は真の羨望を抱くべきであろう。
Use 'urayami' in a profound analysis of success, focusing on character.
Elevated language discussing the true nature of enviable success.
現代社会における「羨み」という感情は、しばしばSNS上で繰り広げられる他者の理想化されたイメージとの比較から生じ、自己肯定感の低下や、満たされない欲求の増幅といった、複雑な心理的葛藤を内包している。
Use 'urayami' in a sophisticated analysis of its psychological and social manifestations.
Deconstructing the modern phenomenon of envy.
真に他者の幸福を祝福できる心境に至るためには、自己の内に潜む羨みの感情の根源を深く洞察し、それを乗り越えるための自己変革のプロセスを歩むことが不可欠である。
Use 'urayami' in a discourse on self-improvement and overcoming negative emotions.
Focus on the transformative power of addressing envy.
彼の芸術作品が持つ普遍的な魅力は、単に技術的な洗練さや独創性といった側面だけでなく、人間の根源的な感情、すなわち喜び、悲しみ、そして他者への羨みといった複雑な機微をも巧みに描き出している点に、その真価がある。
Use 'urayami' as one of the complex emotions depicted in art.
Envy as a subject within artistic expression.
人生における「羨み」は、しばしば自己の潜在能力の開花を促す触媒となり得るが、それが過剰になると、他者への嫉妬や自己否定へと繋がり、創造的なエネルギーを枯渇させる危険性を孕んでいる。
Use 'urayami' to discuss its dual nature as a motivator and a destructive force.
Exploring the fine line between constructive and destructive envy.
他者の成功を羨むという感情は、人間社会における普遍的な現象であり、それを否定するのではなく、むしろその感情の背後にある自己の願望や価値観を理解する手がかりとして捉えることが、精神的な成熟への道筋となる。
Use 'urayami' in a mature perspective on human nature and self-discovery.
Envy as a tool for self-understanding.
彼女の生き様は、単に羨むべき対象としてではなく、むしろ、人間が困難な状況下でいかにして自己の尊厳を保ち、希望を見出し続けることができるかを示す、生きた証として我々に深い示唆を与える。
Use 'urayamu' and frame it as a lesson in resilience and dignity.
Envy as a reaction to profound human strength.
現代のグローバル社会においては、文化や価値観の多様性から生じる、他者への羨みや誤解を乗り越え、相互理解と共感を深めるための対話が、これまで以上に重要視されている。
Use 'urayami' in the context of intercultural understanding and dialogue.
Overcoming envy through dialogue and empathy.
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
— Expresses a mild, often wistful, feeling of envy. It's a common interjection.
あー、いいな。羨ましいな。 (Ā, ii na. Urayamashī na.) Ah, nice. I'm envious.
— Means 'extremely enviable' or 'I couldn't be more envious'. It's a strong expression of envy.
彼の自由な時間は羨ましい限りだ。 (Kare no jiyū na jikan wa urayamashī kagiri da.) His free time is extremely enviable.
— Means 'there are people who envy (you/it)'. Used to indicate that someone else might feel envious.
君の才能は羨む人がいるだろう。 (Kimi no sainō wa urayamu hito ga iru darō.) There are probably people who envy your talent.
— Means 'enviable' or 'worthy of envy'. It's often used to describe a situation or quality that is highly desirable.
それは羨むべき状況だ。 (Sore wa urayamu beki jōkyō da.) That is an enviable situation.
— Literally 'to feel envy'. A common way to express the emotion.
彼の成功に羨みを感じた。 (Kare no seikō ni urayami o kanjita.) I felt envy towards his success.
— Means 'a feeling of envy'. Refers to the emotion itself.
羨む気持ちを抑えるのは難しい。 (Urayamu kimochi o osaeru no wa muzukashī.) It's difficult to suppress feelings of envy.
— Means 'to think (something is) enviable'. A straightforward expression of the thought process.
私はいつも彼の楽観的な性格を羨ましいと思う。 (Watashi wa itsumo kare no rakkan-tekina seikaku o urayamashī to omou.) I always think his optimistic personality is enviable.
— Means 'object of envy'. Refers to the person or thing that is envied.
彼女は多くの女性にとって羨む対象となっている。 (Kanojo wa ōku no josei ni totte urayamu taishō to natte iru.) She has become an object of envy for many women.
— Means 'to even feel envy'. Used when the envy is particularly strong or unexpected.
その才能には羨みさえ覚える。 (Sono sainō ni wa urayami sae oboeru.) I even feel envy towards that talent.
— Means 'points worthy of envy'. Refers to specific aspects that are enviable.
彼のスピーチには羨むべき点がいくつかあった。 (Kare no supīchi ni wa urayamu beki ten ga ikutsuka atta.) There were several points worthy of envy in his speech.
Wird oft verwechselt mit
While both envy and jealousy involve negative feelings towards others, jealousy typically arises from a fear of losing something you possess (e.g., a partner's attention), whereas envy is the desire for something someone else has. 羨み is wanting what they have; 嫉妬 is fearing they will take what you have or have it instead of you.
This word means 'longing' or 'admiration' and is generally a positive emotion. You admire someone and wish to be like them or achieve what they have, but without the negative undertones of resentment or dissatisfaction that can accompany envy (羨み).
This is a more formal or literary synonym for envy. It can sometimes imply a deeper, more profound admiration alongside the desire for what another possesses, whereas 羨み can be more common and everyday.
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
— Literally 'The grass on the other side is green.' This is a very common Japanese idiom that perfectly captures the essence of envy – the tendency to believe that others' situations are always better than one's own, even when it might not be true.
彼の新しい家を見ると、いつも「隣の芝生は青い」と思ってしまう。 (Kare no atarashii ie o miru to, itsumo 'tonari no shibafu wa aoi' to omotte shimau.) Whenever I see his new house, I always think, 'The grass is always greener on the other side.'
Common— This phrase means 'I can't just keep envying (them/it).' It implies a decision to stop envying and start taking action or focusing on one's own path.
友人の成功を羨んでばかりはいられない。自分も頑張ろう。 (Yūjin no seikō o urayande bakari wa irarenai. Jibun mo ganbarō.) I can't just keep envying my friend's success. I need to work hard too.
Common— To overcome feelings of envy. This idiom emphasizes the effort required to move past envy and focus on personal growth or contentment.
他人の成功を羨む気持ちを乗り越えることが、真の幸福への第一歩だ。 (Tanin no seikō o urayamu kimochi o norikoeru koto ga, shin no kōfuku e no daiippo da.) Overcoming the feeling of envying others' success is the first step towards true happiness.
Reflective— Meaning 'at the same time as being envious'. This phrase is used to show that envy is felt alongside another emotion, often admiration or inspiration.
彼の才能は羨ましいと同時に、尊敬に値する。 (Kare no sainō wa urayamashī to dōji ni, sonkei ni atai suru.) His talent is enviable, and at the same time, it deserves respect.
Nuanced— To be unable to bear the envy; to be overwhelmingly envious. This suggests a very strong, almost unbearable feeling of envy.
彼女の美貌と富には、羨ましさに耐えかねるほどだった。 (Kanojo no bibō to tomi ni wa, urayamashi-sa ni taekaneru hodo datta.) Her beauty and wealth were so much that I could barely stand the envy.
Intense— Means 'there is no room for envy' or 'nothing to envy'. This is used when someone's situation is so bad or so unremarkable that no one would envy them.
彼の状況は、羨む余地もないほど悲惨だった。 (Kare no jōkyō wa, urayamu yochi mo nai hodo hisan datta.) His situation was so miserable that there was no room for envy.
Sarcastic/Negative— A proverb stating 'Envy destroys people.' It highlights the destructive nature of envy when it becomes excessive or consuming.
古来より、「羨みは人を滅ぼす」と言われている。 (Korai yori, 'urayami wa hito o horobosu' to iwarete iru.) Since ancient times, it has been said that 'envy destroys people.'
Proverbial— Envy and inferiority complex. Often used together to describe the negative psychological impact of social comparison.
SNSの普及は、羨みと劣等感を助長している側面がある。 (SNS no fukyū wa, urayami to retto-kan o jochō shite iru sokumen ga aru.) The spread of SNS has aspects that promote envy and inferiority complexes.
Psychological— Without envying. Used to describe someone who is not envious, perhaps due to contentment or high self-esteem.
彼は他人の成功を羨みもせず、自分の道を進んだ。 (Kare wa tanin no seikō o urayami mo sezu, jibun no michi o susunda.) He proceeded on his own path without envying others' success.
Neutral/Positive— One's face twists with envy. This is a vivid description of showing envy physically.
彼女の華やかな衣装を見て、ライバルは羨みで顔が歪んだ。 (Kanojo no hanayaka na ishō o mite, raibaru wa urayami de kao ga yuganda.) Seeing her glamorous outfit, the rival's face twisted with envy.
DescriptiveLeicht verwechselbar
It is the adjective form of the same root concept as the noun 羨み (urayami).
羨み (urayami) is the noun referring to the feeling of envy itself. 羨ましい (urayamashii) is the adjective, meaning 'enviable' or 'jealous', used to describe something or someone that evokes envy. For example, 'His talent is enviable' (彼の才能は羨ましい - Kare no sainō wa urayamashii) uses the adjective, while 'I feel envy towards his talent' (彼の才能に羨みを感じる - Kare no sainō ni urayami o kanjiru) uses the noun.
羨ましい (adjective): その車はとても羨ましい。 羨み (noun): 彼の車に羨みを感じた。
It is the verb form related to the noun 羨み (urayami).
羨み (urayami) is the noun for the feeling of envy. 羨む (urayamu) is the verb, meaning 'to envy'. The verb describes the action of feeling envy towards something or someone. For example, 'He envies his friend's success' (彼は友人の成功を羨む - Kare wa yūjin no seikō o urayamu) uses the verb, while 'He feels envy towards his friend's success' (彼は友人の成功に羨みを感じる - Kare wa yūjin no seikō ni urayami o kanjiru) uses the noun.
羨む (verb): 私は彼女の楽観的な性格を羨む。 羨み (noun): 彼女の楽観的な性格に羨みを感じる。
Both words describe negative emotions related to others' possessions or success.
羨み (urayami) is primarily about desiring what someone else has (envy). 嫉妬 (shitto) is more about fear of losing something you have due to a third party's involvement, or a resentment towards someone who has something you believe you deserve more (jealousy). For example, you might envy a friend's new car (羨み), but feel jealous if your partner spends too much time with someone else (嫉妬).
羨み: 彼の新しい家を羨む。 嫉妬: 彼女は夫が他の女性と話すのを嫉妬した。
It is another adjective related to envy, often used interchangeably with 羨ましい in some contexts.
While both 羨ましい (urayamashii) and 妬ましい (netamashii) can mean 'envious' or 'jealous', 妬ましい often carries a stronger, more negative connotation, implying resentment, bitterness, or spite towards the person or thing being envied. 羨ましい can sometimes be more neutral or even admiring, focusing on the desirability of the object itself.
羨ましい: 彼の健康的な生活は羨ましい。 妬ましい: 彼の突然の成功は、同僚たちに妬ましいと思わせた。
Both envy and admiration involve desiring something someone else has.
羨み (urayami) is typically a negative emotion stemming from dissatisfaction with one's own situation and wanting what others have, sometimes with resentment. 憧れ (akogare) is a positive emotion of longing, yearning, or deep admiration for someone or something, often with a desire to emulate them. You envy someone's car; you admire and long to be a great singer like someone else.
羨み: 彼の自由な時間を羨む。 憧れ: 彼女は一流のピアニストに憧れている。
Satzmuster
Noun + を + 羨む (urayamu)
私は彼の新しい自転車<strong>を</strong>羨む。
Noun + は + 羨ましい (urayamashii)
彼女の才能<strong>は</strong>羨ましい。
Noun + に + 羨みを感じる (urayami o kanjiru)
彼の成功<strong>に</strong>羨みを感じた。
Noun + は + 羨ましい限りだ (urayamashii kagiri da)
その自由な時間<strong>は</strong>羨ましい限りだ。
Noun + は + 羨むべき (urayamu beki)
彼のリーダーシップ<strong>は</strong>羨むべきだ。
Noun + が + 羨ましい (urayamashii)
あなたの持っている知識<strong>が</strong>羨ましい。
Noun + に対する + 羨望 (senbō) / 羨み (urayami)
彼の偉業<strong>に対する</strong>羨望を抱いた。
羨ましがる (urayamashigaru) + Verb
子供たちはそのおもちゃを<strong>羨ましがっていた</strong>。
Wortfamilie
Substantive
Verben
Adjektive
Verwandt
So verwendest du es
High (especially the adjective 羨ましい and verb 羨む)
-
Using the noun 羨み (urayami) where the adjective 羨ましい (urayamashii) is more natural.
→
彼は本当に羨ましい。
(Kare wa hontō ni urayamashii.)
While 羨み is the noun for envy, in sentences describing something as enviable, the adjective 羨ましい is much more common and natural. For example, instead of saying 'He is envy' (incorrect), you'd say 'He is enviable' (彼は羨ましい).
-
Incorrect particle usage with the verb 羨む (urayamu).
→
私は彼の才能<strong>を</strong>羨む。
(Watashi wa kare no sainō <strong>o</strong> urayamu.)
The direct object of the verb 羨む (to envy) is typically marked with the particle を (o), not が (ga) or に (ni). Saying '彼の才能<strong>が</strong>羨む' is incorrect.
-
Confusing envy (羨み) with jealousy (嫉妬).
→
羨み: 彼の成功を羨む。
嫉妬: 彼女は夫が他の女性と話すのを嫉妬した。
羨み (envy) is wanting what someone else has. 嫉妬 (jealousy) is often about fear of losing what you have or resentment that someone else has something you believe you deserve more. They are related but distinct emotions.
-
Using 羨み (urayami) when 憧れ (akogare) would be more appropriate.
→
憧れ: 彼女は一流のピアニストに憧れている。
羨み: 彼の演奏技術を羨む。
羨み (envy) implies a desire for something someone else has, sometimes with negativity. 憧れ (longing/admiration) is a positive aspiration to be like someone or achieve something, often involving deep respect.
-
Overusing the noun 羨み in casual conversation.
→
あー、いいな。羨ましいな。
(Ā, ii na. Urayamashī na.)
While 羨み is a valid noun, the adjective 羨ましい and the verb 羨む are far more common in everyday spoken Japanese. Relying solely on the noun can make your speech sound stiff or overly formal.
Tipps
Particle Usage with Envy
When using the verb 羨む (urayamu), the object of envy is usually marked with the particle を (o). For example: 彼の才能を羨む (Kare no sainō o urayamu - To envy his talent). When using the noun 羨み (urayami) with verbs like 感じる (kanjiru - to feel), the particle に (ni) is often used: 彼の才能に羨みを感じる (Kare no sainō ni urayami o kanjiru - To feel envy towards his talent).
Noun vs. Adjective vs. Verb
Remember the distinction: 羨み (urayami) is the noun (the feeling), 羨ましい (urayamashii) is the adjective (enviable), and 羨む (urayamu) is the verb (to envy). Use them according to their grammatical function for natural expression.
Common Phrases
In everyday speech, 羨ましいな (urayamashii na - 'I'm envious/How nice!') and 羨ましい限りだ (urayamashii kagiri da - 'extremely enviable') are very common ways to express envy.
Subtlety in Expression
Japanese culture often favors indirect communication. While envy is felt, it might be expressed as admiration or a desire to improve oneself rather than direct statements of envy. Pay attention to context and tone.
Sound Association
Try associating the sound 'urayamashii' with the image of someone looking enviously at their neighbor's lawn ('Your lawn, man!' - 'me want!'). This mnemonic can help recall the meaning.
Envy vs. Jealousy
羨み (urayami) is envy (wanting what others have). 嫉妬 (shitto) is jealousy (fear of losing what you have, or resentment that someone else has something you believe you deserve more). They are related but distinct emotions.
Sentence Creation
Write sentences using 羨み, 羨ましい, and 羨む in different contexts. Try describing things you envy, people who seem envious, and situations that are enviable.
Related Terms
Learn related words like 憧れ (akogare - longing/admiration) and 満足 (manzoku - satisfaction) to understand the spectrum of emotions related to desiring what others have or being content with one's own situation.
Idiomatic Expression
Familiarize yourself with the idiom 隣の芝生は青い (tonari no shibafu wa aoi - 'the grass is greener on the other side') as it perfectly captures the essence of envy.
Common Scenarios
You'll often hear envy expressed when people discuss successes, possessions, talents, or lifestyles that they find desirable but do not currently have themselves.
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Imagine a person looking over a fence at their neighbor's lush green lawn ('urayamashi' sounds a bit like 'your lawn, man!' in a funny accent). The 'mi' at the end can remind you of 'me', so 'your lawn, man, me want!' This visual helps connect the sound to the meaning of envy.
Visuelle Assoziation
Picture a person gazing longingly at a shiny object (like a trophy, a car, or a beautiful house) that another person is holding or enjoying. The 'u-ra-ya-mi' sound could be imagined as a sigh of longing.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Try to find five instances of envy or desire for what others have in Japanese media (anime, dramas, songs) this week. Note down the context and how 羨み or its related forms are used. This active search will reinforce your understanding.
Wortherkunft
The word 羨み originates from the verb 羨む (urayamu), which itself is derived from the older verb 羨む (wutayamu). The kanji 羨 is composed of 羊 (hitsuji - sheep) and 員 (in - member/person), possibly suggesting a sense of wanting to be part of a group or have what others in the group possess. Another theory suggests the 'sheep' radical implies something precious or desirable.
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: The original meaning was likely related to longing for or desiring what another person has, often with a sense of dissatisfaction with one's own situation.
JaponicKultureller Kontext
When discussing envy, be mindful of the context. While it's a natural emotion, directly expressing envy towards someone's possessions or achievements can sometimes be perceived as rude or lacking in gratitude for one's own circumstances. It's often more appropriate to express admiration or a desire to improve oneself.
In English-speaking cultures, envy is often discussed more openly, though it can still carry negative connotations. Phrases like 'keeping up with the Joneses' reflect a societal tendency towards social comparison and envy.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Discussing personal achievements and goals.
- 彼の成功を羨む。
- 自分の目標達成を羨む。
- 羨ましいと思うことばかりだ。
Social media posts and comments.
- 写真見て羨ましい！
- 旅行羨ましいな。
- 私もあんな風になりたい、羨ましい。
Comparing lifestyles or possessions.
- 彼の車は羨ましい。
- 彼女の自由な時間が羨ましい。
- 羨ましい生活だね。
Expressing admiration for skills or talents.
- その才能は羨ましい。
- 羨ましいほどの語学力だ。
- 羨ましい技術を持っている。
Reflecting on personal dissatisfaction or desire.
- 羨みを感じずにはいられない。
- 羨ましい気持ちになる。
- 羨む余地もない。
Gesprächseinstiege
"What's something you saw recently that made you feel envious?"
"Do you think envy is always a negative emotion, or can it be a motivator?"
"What's one thing you admire about someone else that you wish you had?"
"How do you usually react when you feel envious of someone?"
"Are there any situations where you feel it's okay to feel envious?"
Tagebuch-Impulse
Describe a time you felt envious of someone. What did they have that you desired, and how did it make you feel?
Reflect on the idiom 'The grass is always greener on the other side.' How does this relate to your own experiences with envy?
If you could have one skill or possession that someone else has, what would it be and why?
How can you turn feelings of envy into motivation for personal growth?
Write about a time you were happy for someone's success, even though you might have felt a twinge of envy.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 Fragen羨み (urayami) refers to envy, the desire for something someone else possesses. 嫉妬 (shitto) refers to jealousy, which often involves fear of losing something you have, or resentment that someone else has something you believe you deserve more. Think of it as: 羨み is wanting what they have; 嫉妬 is fearing they will take what you have or have it instead of you.
羨み (urayami) is the noun for the feeling of envy. It's often used with verbs like 感じる (kanjiru - to feel) or 抱く (idaku - to hold), e.g., 羨みを感じる. 羨ましい (urayamashii) is the adjective, meaning 'enviable' or 'jealous', used to describe things or people, e.g., 羨ましい車 (urayamashii kuruma - an enviable car). 羨む (urayamu) is the verb, meaning 'to envy', e.g., 彼の才能を羨む (Kare no sainō o urayamu - To envy his talent). In everyday conversation, 羨ましい and 羨む are more common than the noun 羨み.
While envy often carries negative connotations of discontent and resentment, it can also serve as a motivator. Seeing someone else's success might inspire you to work harder towards your own goals. However, the core feeling is still a desire for what another has, which can lead to negative emotions if not managed constructively.
Common mistakes include using the noun 羨み where the adjective 羨ましい or verb 羨む would be more natural, incorrect particle usage (e.g., using が instead of を with the verb), and translating 'envy' too literally without considering the nuance of the Japanese word. It's important to practice using the different forms and paying attention to context.
The noun 羨み itself can be used in formal writing, especially when discussing the concept of envy abstractly or psychologically. However, in sentences expressing direct envy, the verb 羨む or the adjective 羨ましい are often more common and natural across various registers. More formal contexts might use 羨望 (senbō) as well.
The most famous idiom is 隣の芝生は青い (tonari no shibafu wa aoi), which literally translates to 'The grass on the other side is green.' It describes the tendency to believe that others' situations are always better than one's own, a core aspect of envy.
羨み (urayami) is envy, a desire for what others have, often tinged with discontent or resentment. 憧れ (akogare) is longing or admiration, a positive aspiration to be like someone or achieve something, without the negative undertones. You envy someone's car, but you admire and long to be a skilled musician like someone else.
The object of envy is typically marked with the particle を (o) when using the verb 羨む (urayamu). For example: 彼の成功を羨む (Kare no seikō o urayamu) - To envy his success.
Yes, besides 羨み (urayami), you might encounter 羨望 (senbō), which is often more formal or literary, and 妬ましい (netamashii), an adjective that carries a stronger sense of resentment or bitterness. 嫉妬 (shitto) means jealousy, which is related but distinct.
Try writing sentences using different forms (noun, verb, adjective) in various contexts. Watch Japanese dramas or anime and listen for how these words are used. Engage in conversations with native speakers and ask for feedback on your usage.
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Summary
羨み (urayami) encapsulates the feeling of envy, a desire for what others possess. While it can be a negative emotion, it also serves as a powerful motivator. Understanding its nuances, related terms like 羨ましい (urayamashii) and 羨む (urayamu), and correct grammatical usage, particularly particle usage (を), is crucial for accurate expression in Japanese.
- 羨み (urayami) means envy or a strong desire for what others have.
- It's a common human emotion related to social comparison.
- Often used with verbs like 'feel' or 'envy', or as the adjective 'urayamashii'.
- Pay attention to particles like を (o) marking the object of envy.
Particle Usage with Envy
When using the verb 羨む (urayamu), the object of envy is usually marked with the particle を (o). For example: 彼の才能を羨む (Kare no sainō o urayamu - To envy his talent). When using the noun 羨み (urayami) with verbs like 感じる (kanjiru - to feel), the particle に (ni) is often used: 彼の才能に羨みを感じる (Kare no sainō ni urayami o kanjiru - To feel envy towards his talent).
Noun vs. Adjective vs. Verb
Remember the distinction: 羨み (urayami) is the noun (the feeling), 羨ましい (urayamashii) is the adjective (enviable), and 羨む (urayamu) is the verb (to envy). Use them according to their grammatical function for natural expression.
Common Phrases
In everyday speech, 羨ましいな (urayamashii na - 'I'm envious/How nice!') and 羨ましい限りだ (urayamashii kagiri da - 'extremely enviable') are very common ways to express envy.
Subtlety in Expression
Japanese culture often favors indirect communication. While envy is felt, it might be expressed as admiration or a desire to improve oneself rather than direct statements of envy. Pay attention to context and tone.
Verwandte Inhalte
Dieses Wort in anderen Sprachen
Mehr emotions Wörter
ぼんやり
B1Verschwommen; geistesabwesend. Wird verwendet, um eine unklare Sicht oder einen unkonzentrierten Geisteszustand zu beschreiben.
夢中
B1Absorption; engrossment; infatuation.
受け止める
B1Etwas (z.B. einen Ball) auffangen oder eine Situation/Kritik ernsthaft annehmen.
達成感
B1Das Gefühl der Zufriedenheit und des Stolzes, wenn Sie eine Aufgabe erfolgreich abgeschlossen oder ein Ziel erreicht haben. Es ist die Belohnung für Ihre Bemühungen.
ひしひしと
B1Acutely; keenly; strongly (feeling something).
適応する
B1Sich an eine neue Umgebung anzupassen ist der Schlüssel zum Erfolg.
健気な
B2Beschreibt jemanden, der trotz Schwäche oder schwieriger Umstände bewundernswerten Mut und Einsatz zeigt.
感心な
B1Bewundernswert; lobenswert. 'Er ist ein bewundernswerter Junge, der fleißig lernt.' 'Ihre Einstellung ist wirklich bewundernswert.'
感心
B1Bewunderung oder beeindruckt sein von der Leistung oder dem Verhalten einer Person.
感心する
B1Von den Fähigkeiten oder dem Verhalten einer Person beeindruckt sein.
