verb HSK 6
hèn
to be jealous and resentful · to envy and hate · jealous hatred

Meaning

嫉恨 describes a strong negative emotion combining jealousy and hatred or resentment toward someone, typically because of their success, advantages, or happiness. It goes beyond simple envy (嫉妒) to include a component of bitter resentment or even hatred.

Usage

This is a literary or formal term used in written language, psychological contexts, or serious discussions about emotions. It carries a strong negative connotation and describes a deeper, more malicious feeling than simple jealousy. Often used to describe toxic relationships or explain harmful behavior motivated by envy.

Examples

  1. 01
    他因为同事的升职而心生嫉恨
    yīn wèi tóng shì de shēng zhí ér xīn shēng hèn.
    He developed jealous resentment because of his colleague's promotion.
  2. 02
    嫉恨别人的成功只会伤害自己。
    hèn bié rén de chéng gōng zhǐ huì shāng hài .
    Being jealous and resentful of others' success only harms oneself.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 心生嫉恨
    xīn shēng hèn
    to develop jealous hatred in one's heart
  • 嫉恨心理
    hèn xīn
    psychology of jealous resentment
  • 充满嫉恨
    chōng mǎn hèn
    filled with jealous hatred

Antonyms

Origin

Both characters are emotion radicals (心/忄). 嫉 originally meant jealousy between women over a man, while 恨 means hatred or regret. Combined, they intensify the negative emotion beyond simple envy.

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