Meaning
眼红 literally means 'red eyes' and describes the feeling of envy or jealousy when seeing others possess something desirable. The image comes from the idea that one's eyes become red from desire or agitation when witnessing another person's good fortune, success, or possessions.
Usage
This is an informal, colloquial expression commonly used in everyday conversation to describe envy in a somewhat lighthearted or candid way. It often appears in the construction '对...眼红' (to be envious of...) or '看得眼红' (to see and feel envious). While it describes jealousy, it's generally less severe than words like 嫉妒, carrying a sense of 'I wish I had that too' rather than deep resentment.
Examples
- 01看到同事升职加薪，她心里有点儿眼红。, .Seeing her colleague get promoted and receive a raise, she felt a bit envious.
- 02他开着新车在小区里转，邻居们都眼红得不得了。, .He drove his new car around the neighborhood, making all the neighbors extremely envious.
Characters
Common collocations
- 看得眼红to see and become envious
- 对...眼红...to be envious of...
- 眼红别人to envy others
- 让人眼红to make people envious
Antonyms
Origin
The metaphor links the physical manifestation of reddened eyes (from emotion or strain) with the psychological state of envy, creating a vivid image of desire.