Meaning
嫉妒 describes the feeling of resentment or discontent toward someone because they have something you desire, whether that's success, relationships, possessions, or qualities. It carries a negative connotation and implies emotional discomfort at another person's advantages or good fortune.
Usage
This word is commonly used in both spoken and written Mandarin to describe jealousy in romantic relationships, career success, or social status. It can function as a verb (to be jealous of) or as a noun (jealousy). The tone is generally negative, suggesting an undesirable emotion that should be controlled.
Examples
- 01她嫉妒同事升职比她快。.She is jealous that her colleague got promoted faster than her.
- 02不要因为别人的成功而嫉妒，要专注于自己的进步。, .Don't be jealous of others' success; focus on your own progress.
Characters
Common collocations
- 嫉妒心jealousy, feeling of jealousy
- 感到嫉妒to feel jealous
- 嫉妒别人to be jealous of others
- 出于嫉妒out of jealousy
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters contain the female radical 女, reflecting ancient associations between jealousy and women in classical Chinese literature, though the term is now used gender-neutrally. The two characters are near-synonyms that combine to intensify the meaning.