羨望 in 30 Seconds
- A formal noun for 'envy' or 'admiration' toward someone's success.
- Commonly used in the phrase '羨望の的' (object of envy).
- More literary and objective than the casual 'urayamashii'.
- Describes a 'desirous gaze' often directed at celebrities or high achievers.
The word 羨望 (せんぼう - senbō) is a sophisticated noun that captures a complex human emotion: the act of looking at someone else's superior qualities, achievements, or possessions with a deep sense of longing. Unlike simple jealousy, which often carries a bitter or malicious undertone, senbō leans more towards a mixture of high admiration and the personal desire to attain that same state. It is the psychological bridge between 'I want what you have' and 'I am impressed by what you have.'
- Etymological Breakdown
- The first kanji, 羨 (envy/covet), depicts a person salivating over something desirable. The second kanji, 望 (hope/view), represents looking out or desiring a future state. Together, they form a 'desirous gaze.'
- Psychological Nuance
- In Japanese psychology, senbō is often viewed as a 'cleaner' emotion than 嫉妬 (shitto - jealousy). While shitto might involve wanting to take something away from another, senbō is the aspiration triggered by another's success.
彼は周囲の羨望の的となっている。 (He has become the object of everyone's envy.)
To understand senbō, one must visualize the 'gaze.' It is frequently paired with words like 眼差し (manazashi - look/glance), creating the phrase 羨望の眼差し. This describes the literal way people look at a celebrity, a high-achiever, or a beautiful object. It is a word that elevates the feeling from a petty internal thought to a recognized social dynamic.
彼女の才能には羨望を禁じ得ない。 (I cannot help but feel envy toward her talent.)
In literature, senbō is used to describe the distance between the 'haves' and the 'have-nots.' It is a formal term, rarely used in casual conversation among friends (where urayamashii is preferred). Using senbō suggests a level of maturity and objective observation of one's own feelings. It acknowledges the superiority of the other party without necessarily demeaning oneself.
- Social Context
- In Japanese corporate culture, a promotion might elicit senbō from colleagues. It is a silent, respectful longing that acknowledges the hierarchy of achievement.
都会の生活への羨望が彼を突き動かした。 (His longing for city life drove him forward.)
Using 羨望 correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as a noun and its formal register. It is not an adjective like urayamashii, so you cannot simply say 'I am senbō.' Instead, you 'embrace' it, 'feel' it, or 'become the target' of it.
- Grammatical Patterns
- [Person/Object] + への羨望: Envy toward [Person/Object].
- 羨望の的 (senbō no mato): The object/target of envy.
- 羨望を抱く (senbō o idaku): To harbor or hold feelings of envy.
- 羨望の眼差し (senbō no manazashi): A look of envy.
One of the most frequent uses is in the phrase 羨望の的になる (to become the object of envy). This is used when someone achieves something so significant that everyone around them looks up to them with longing. For example, 'Winning the Nobel Prize made him the senbō no mato of the scientific community.'
彼はクラスで羨望の的だった。 (He was the object of envy in the class.)
Another high-level construction is 羨望を禁じ得ない (cannot suppress envy). This is a formal, literary way to say that something is so impressive that you can't help but feel envious. It is often used in essays, critiques, or formal speeches to praise someone's work while admitting one's own desire to reach that level.
彼女の自由な生き方に羨望を覚える。 (I feel envy toward her free way of living.)
When describing a look, senbō no manazashi is the standard. It describes a gaze that is fixed, perhaps slightly wide-eyed, showing that the observer is captivated by what they see. This is common in novels to describe the reaction of a crowd to a hero or a beautiful person.
- Verb Pairings
- 集める (atsumeru): To collect/attract envy. (e.g., 羨望を集める)
- 買う (kau): To incur/buy envy (often used negatively, like 'inviting' envy).
- 覚える (oboeru): To feel/experience envy.
You will encounter 羨望 primarily in written media, formal broadcasts, and high-quality storytelling. It is a 'literary' word that adds weight and psychological depth to a narrative. If you are reading a Japanese novel or watching a serious drama (Taiga dramas, business thrillers), this word will appear frequently.
「彼の成功は、同業者たちの羨望と嫉妬を一身に集めた。」 (His success drew both the envy and jealousy of those in the same industry.)
In news reporting, senbō is used to describe public sentiment toward successful figures or prosperous nations. For example, a report on a country's rapid economic growth might mention how it became the senbō no mato of its neighbors. It provides a more objective, sociological tone than the emotional urayamashii.
- Media Contexts
- Documentaries: Describing the lifestyle of historical figures.
- Biographies: Discussing how a person's talents were perceived by others.
- Editorials: Analyzing social trends, such as the 'envy' directed at the wealthy.
In academic or psychological discussions, senbō is used to distinguish between 'benign envy' (which motivates) and 'malicious envy' (which destroys). While Japanese has other words for this, senbō is the standard term for the general concept of longing for another's status in a formal context.
「若者たちの間には、インフルエンサーへの強い羨望がある。」 (There is a strong envy toward influencers among young people.)
Finally, you might hear it in wedding speeches or formal introductions. A speaker might say, 'The couple's wonderful relationship is the senbō no mato of all of us here.' This is a high compliment, framing the couple's happiness as something everyone aspires to.
The most common mistake learners make with 羨望 is treating it like a simple adjective. Because the English word 'envious' is an adjective, learners often try to use senbō in the same way. However, senbō is a noun.
- Incorrect Usage
- ❌ 私は彼が羨望です。 (I am senbō of him. - Grammatically wrong)
- ✅ 私は彼に羨望の眼差しを向けた。 (I directed a look of envy at him.)
Another mistake is confusing 羨望 (senbō) with 嫉妬 (shitto). While they are related, shitto (jealousy) is much more negative and often implies a desire to see the other person fail or a fear of losing something you have. Senbō is purely about the longing for what the other person has. Using shitto when you mean senbō can make you sound bitter or resentful.
Mistake: Using 羨望する as a common verb. While it exists, it is much rarer than '羨望を抱く' or '羨望の的になる'.
Learners also struggle with the particles. Remember: [Target] + への + 羨望. Using ni or wo incorrectly here is a frequent error. If you are expressing the feeling toward someone, use he no (toward).
- Confusing Kanji
- Don't confuse 羨 (envy) with 美 (beauty) or 義 (justice). They look similar at a glance but have entirely different meanings and radicals.
Japanese has several words for envy and admiration, each with a specific 'flavor.' Understanding the differences between 羨望 and its synonyms is key to sounding natural.
- 1. 羨ましい (Urayamashii)
- The adjective form. This is the most common way to express envy in daily life. It is subjective and emotional. 'I'm jealous!' is almost always Urayamashii!
- 2. 憧れ (Akogare)
- Pure admiration or yearning. Unlike senbō, akogare has no negative connotation at all. It is the feeling of looking up to a role model. If senbō is 'I want that,' akogare is 'I want to be like that.'
- 3. 嫉妬 (Shitto)
- Jealousy. This often involves a third party (like in romance) or a feeling of resentment. It is a 'darker' emotion than senbō.
Comparison:
• Akogare: 'I love her style, she's my idol.'
• Senbō: 'Her lifestyle is so perfect, I wish I had it.'
• Shitto: 'Why does she get all the attention? I hate it.'
Another related word is やっかみ (Yakkami), which is a more colloquial, slightly derogatory term for petty jealousy or 'sour grapes.' If someone is criticizing a successful person out of spite, they are said to be expressing yakkami.
- 4. 渇望 (Katsubō)
- Craving or thirsting for something. This is much stronger than senbō. While senbō is a look, katsubō is a desperate need (like craving water or power).
How Formal Is It?
Difficulty Rating
Grammar to Know
~を禁じ得ない (Cannot help but...)
~の的 (The object of...)
~への (Toward...)
~を一身に集める (To gather all...)
~を覚える (To feel/experience...)
Examples by Level
彼はみんなの羨望の的です。
He is the target of everyone's envy.
Uses 'no mato' to mean 'object of'.
新しい靴に羨望の眼差しを向ける。
To look at new shoes with envy.
Noun + 'no manazashi' (look/gaze).
羨望の気持ちがあります。
I have a feeling of envy.
Simple noun usage with 'ga arimasu'.
彼女は羨望を集めています。
She is gathering envy (everyone envies her).
Verb 'atsumeru' means to collect/gather.
都会への羨望。
Envy toward the big city.
Particle 'he no' shows direction of the feeling.
羨望は、ほしいと思うことです。
Envy is wanting something.
Definition sentence using 'wa ... koto desu'.
あの人の生活は羨望の的だ。
That person's life is the object of envy.
Informal 'da' ending.
羨望の眼差しで見ました。
I looked with a gaze of envy.
Particle 'de' shows the means/manner.
彼女の才能は羨望の的だった。
Her talent was the object of envy.
Past tense 'datta'.
周囲の羨望を無視する。
To ignore the envy of those around you.
Verb 'mushi suru' (to ignore).
彼は羨望の眼差しで兄を見た。
He looked at his older brother with envy.
Directional 'de' + 'mita'.
羨望の的になるのは大変だ。
It's hard to be the object of envy.
'Naru no wa' (becoming ... is).
金持ちへの羨望を抱く。
To harbor envy toward the rich.
Verb 'idaku' (to harbor/hold).
羨望の的としてのプレッシャー。
Pressure as the object of envy.
'Toshite no' (as a...).
誰もが彼女に羨望を感じた。
Everyone felt envy toward her.
Verb 'kanjita' (felt).
羨望の眼差しが痛い。
The looks of envy are painful.
Metaphorical use of 'itai' (painful/uncomfortable).
成功者に対する羨望の念を禁じ得ない。
I cannot help but feel envy toward successful people.
'Kinji-enai' is a formal 'cannot help but' expression.
彼の暮らしぶりは、まさに羨望の的だ。
His lifestyle is truly the object of envy.
'Masa ni' adds emphasis (truly/exactly).
羨望の眼差しを向けられることに慣れる。
To get used to being looked at with envy.
Passive form 'mukerareru' (to be directed at).
彼女の美貌は女性たちの羨望を集めた。
Her beauty drew the envy of women.
Subject + 'wa' + Object + 'wo atsumeta'.
羨望は時として嫉妬に変わる。
Envy sometimes turns into jealousy.
'Toki to shite' (sometimes/at times).
若者の羨望を一身に浴びる。
To be showered with the envy of the youth.
'Isshin ni abiru' (to be showered/bathed in entirely).
羨望の的であり続ける努力。
The effort to continue being the object of envy.
'~ari tsuzukeru' (to continue being).
その地位は多くの人の羨望の対象だ。
That position is the object of many people's envy.
'Taishō' (target/object) is a synonym for 'mato'.
彼の才能に対する羨望が、私の努力の源泉だった。
Envy of his talent was the source of my effort.
'Gensen' (source/fountainhead).
羨望の眼差しを背中に感じながら歩く。
Walking while feeling looks of envy on one's back.
'Nagara' (while) + 'senaka ni kanjiru'.
それは、単なる羨望を超えた憧れだった。
It was an admiration that went beyond mere envy.
'~wo koeta' (surpassed/went beyond).
羨望の的となることは、孤独を伴うこともある。
Becoming the object of envy can sometimes involve loneliness.
'~wo tomonau' (to accompany/involve).
彼女は羨望の眼差しをさらりと受け流した。
She lightly brushed off the looks of envy.
'Sarari to ukenagasu' (to dodge/handle smoothly).
その豪華な生活は、庶民の羨望の的となった。
That luxurious life became the object of envy for common people.
'Shomin' (common people/masses).
羨望の念が、いつしか憎しみに変わっていった。
The feeling of envy eventually turned into hatred.
'Itsushika' (before one knows it/eventually).
彼は羨望を隠そうともしなかった。
He didn't even try to hide his envy.
'~sou to mo shinakatta' (didn't even try to...).
彼の超然とした態度は、周囲の羨望と畏怖を同時に集めた。
His aloof attitude drew both envy and awe from those around him.
'Chōzen' (aloof/transcendental) and 'Ifu' (awe/dread).
羨望の眼差しに晒されることで、彼女の自己意識は肥大化した。
By being exposed to looks of envy, her self-consciousness became bloated.
'~ni sarasareru' (to be exposed to) and 'hidai-ka' (bloating/hypertrophy).
その作品は、同時代の作家たちから深い羨望を以て迎えられた。
The work was received with deep envy by contemporary authors.
'~wo motte' (with/by means of).
羨望という名の鎖が、彼を過去に縛り付けていた。
The chain called envy tied him to the past.
Metaphorical 'to iu na no kusari'.
成功の影には、常に無数の羨望が渦巻いている。
In the shadow of success, countless envies are always swirling.
'Uzumaku' (to swirl/whirlpool).
羨望の的であり続けることの虚無感を、彼は吐露した。
He confessed the sense of emptiness that comes with being the object of envy.
'Kyomukan' (emptiness) and 'toro' (confession/venting).
彼女の天賦の才には、羨望を通り越して絶望すら覚える。
Regarding her natural talent, I feel despair that goes beyond envy.
'~wo tōrikoshite' (passing through/going beyond).
羨望の眼差しは、時に刃となって対象を傷つける。
Looks of envy sometimes become blades that hurt the target.
Metaphorical 'yaiba to natte'.
三島由紀夫の文学において、美への羨望は破滅への序曲である。
In Mishima Yukio's literature, envy of beauty is a prelude to destruction.
Literary analysis context.
羨望の対象が自己の欠落を鏡のように映し出す。
The object of envy reflects one's own deficiencies like a mirror.
Philosophical 'ketsuraku' (deficiency/lack).
大衆の羨望を糧に、その独裁者は権力を強固なものにした。
Feeding on the envy of the masses, the dictator solidified his power.
'~wo kate ni' (using as food/sustenance).
羨望の念を昇華させ、独自の芸術を切り拓く。
To sublimate the feeling of envy and carve out one's own art.
'Shōka' (sublimation) and 'kiri-hiraku' (to carve out/pioneer).
それは羨望というよりは、むしろ一種の宗教的な憧憬に近い。
It was less envy and more akin to a kind of religious yearning.
'~to iu yori wa mushiro' (rather than saying...).
近代化への羨望が、この国の伝統を根底から揺るがした。
Envy toward modernization shook the traditions of this country to their core.
'Kontei kara yurugasu' (to shake from the foundation).
羨望の眼差しの中に潜む、仄暗い悪意を敏感に察知する。
To sensitively perceive the faint dark malice lurking within looks of envy.
'Honogurai' (faintly dark) and 'sacchi' (perception).
彼は、他者の羨望を自己肯定感の唯一の拠り所にしていた。
He made the envy of others the sole basis for his self-esteem.
'Yorigodokoro' (ground/basis/foundation).
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Often Confused With
Idioms & Expressions
Easily Confused
Sentence Patterns
How to Use It
Senbou is 'clean' envy; Shitto is 'dirty' envy.
Common in print, rare in spoken casual Japanese.
- Using it as an adjective (e.g., senbou na hito).
- Confusing it with 'shitto' in a purely negative sense.
- Using it in very casual text messages.
- Miswriting the kanji 羨 (forgetting the bottom radicals).
- Using the wrong particle (e.g., 'ni' instead of 'he no').
Tips
Noun First
Always remember that 'senbou' is a noun. You don't 'senbou' someone; you 'have' senbou toward them.
Sheep Radical
The top of 羨 is 羊 (sheep). Imagine a sheep looking at a lush green field.
Bullseye
Memorize 'senbou no mato' as 'envy's bullseye'. It's the most useful phrase.
Respect
Use 'senbou' when you want to show that you respect the person you are envious of.
Essays
This is a great word to use in JLPT N2/N1 essays to describe social trends.
Context
If you hear 'senbou', expect the speaker to be talking about someone's high status.
Pairing
Learn it alongside 'shitto' (jealousy) to understand the full spectrum of envy.
Compliment
Calling someone 'senbou no mato' is a very high-level compliment in a speech.
Modesty
Japanese people might use 'senbou' to downplay their own feelings as objective observation.
Manazashi
Keep 'senbou no manazashi' in your 'scenic description' toolkit for writing.
Memorize It
Word Origin
Sino-Japanese (Kango) origin, used to express the formal concept of longing.
Cultural Context
Common in headlines about 'Celebrity Lifestyles'.
A recurring theme in Meiji-era literature regarding Westernization.
Acknowledging 'senbō' can be a way to maintain harmony by praising others.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Conversation Starters
"あなたが一番羨望を感じる有名人は誰ですか？"
"羨望の的になることは、幸せなことだと思いますか？"
"子供の頃、何に羨望を抱いていましたか？"
"羨望と嫉妬の違いは何だと思いますか？"
"最近、誰かに羨望の眼差しを向けたことはありますか？"
Journal Prompts
自分の人生で『羨望の的』だった瞬間を書いてください。
羨望の気持ちをどのように努力に変えることができますか？
都会の生活への羨望についてどう思いますか？
羨望を感じる自分を許せますか？
他人の才能に羨望を覚えた時のエピソード。
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot necessarily. In Japanese, it can imply high praise for the person being envied.
Yes, but it sounds very literary. 'Senbou o idaku' is more common.
Register. 'Senbou' is a formal noun; 'urayamashii' is a casual adjective.
Yes, a luxury car can be a 'senbou no mato'.
No, that would be 'shitto' or 'urami'.
It has the 'sheep' radical on top and 'next' + 'yawn' on the bottom.
Yes, in a formal context like 'I felt senbou toward his success'.
Yes, to describe market leaders or successful CEOs.
A look or gaze of envy/admiration.
Yes, when characters talk about their rivals' powers.
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Summary
羨望 (senbō) is the formal, 'grown-up' version of being jealous. It combines longing with respect and is used to describe how people look at those who have achieved great things or possess rare beauty.
- A formal noun for 'envy' or 'admiration' toward someone's success.
- Commonly used in the phrase '羨望の的' (object of envy).
- More literary and objective than the casual 'urayamashii'.
- Describes a 'desirous gaze' often directed at celebrities or high achievers.
Noun First
Always remember that 'senbou' is a noun. You don't 'senbou' someone; you 'have' senbou toward them.
Sheep Radical
The top of 羨 is 羊 (sheep). Imagine a sheep looking at a lush green field.
Bullseye
Memorize 'senbou no mato' as 'envy's bullseye'. It's the most useful phrase.
Respect
Use 'senbou' when you want to show that you respect the person you are envious of.
Example
羨望の眼差しです。
Related Content
More Emotions words
愛情
A1A deep feeling of affection, care, and attachment toward a person, pet, or thing. It encompasses parental, platonic, and romantic love, emphasizing the emotional bond and devotion one feels.
野心
A1A strong desire to achieve success, power, or fame, often characterized by a bold or daring spirit. While it can mean positive ambition, it sometimes carries a nuance of being calculating or having a hidden agenda to gain status.
怒り
A1Ikari is a noun referring to the feeling of anger, rage, or strong displeasure. It describes the internal emotion itself and can range from mild annoyance to intense fury.
不安
A1A state of feeling worried, anxious, or insecure about something. It describes a lack of peace of mind or a sense of apprehension regarding the future or an unknown outcome.
軽蔑
A1A strong feeling of dislike and a lack of respect for someone or something that you think is unimportant or has no value. It is often used to describe looking down on others for their behavior, status, or character.
勇気
A1Courage or bravery is the mental strength to face fear, danger, or difficulty. It describes the state of mind needed to take a risk or perform a challenging action despite being afraid.
臆病
A1Describes a person who is easily frightened, lacks courage, or is excessively timid. It is frequently used to describe a character trait where someone avoids risks or scary situations.
妄想
A1A delusion or a wild fantasy that is often unrealistic or groundless. It refers to thoughts or beliefs that are not based on reality, ranging from harmless daydreams to clinical paranoia.
欲望
A1A strong physical or psychological craving or appetite for something, often associated with material gain, power, or fundamental human drives. It describes an intense urge that motivates behavior, sometimes carrying a nuance of being insatiable or potentially greedy.
絶望
A1A state of complete loss of hope or the feeling that a situation is impossible to improve. It describes a deep emotional distress where one feels there are no possibilities left.
