Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing jealousy depends on the context: romantic jealousy, envy of others' possessions or success, or protective jealousy. The most common word is 嫉妬 (しっと), but other expressions like やきもち and 羨ましい are used in different situations.
Feeling jealous because of a romantic partner's interactions with others
The standard word for romantic jealousy. Can be used as a noun or with する to mean 'to be jealous'.
彼は彼女の嫉妬にうんざりしている。
He is fed up with her jealousy.
嫉妬しないで。
Don't be jealous.
A more colloquial and slightly cute term for romantic jealousy. Often used in casual conversation.
彼女はすぐやきもちを焼く。
She gets jealous easily.
The verb phrase meaning 'to be jealous' in a romantic sense. Literally 'to bake jealousy'.
彼が他の女の子と話すと、やきもちを焼いてしまう。
I get jealous when he talks to other girls.
Loanword from English, used in casual or trendy contexts, often by younger people.
ジェラシー感じちゃう。
I'm feeling jealous.
Wanting what someone else has, like money, talent, or status
An i-adjective meaning 'envious' or 'jealous' in a non-romantic sense. Often used when you admire something someone else has.
彼の成功が羨ましい。
I'm envious of his success.
いいなあ、羨ましい！
That's nice, I'm so jealous!
A verb meaning 'to envy' or 'to be jealous of', often with a negative connotation of resentment.
Similar to 妬む, but more literary and less common. Implies deep-seated envy.
彼は友人の才能を嫉んでいる。
He is jealous of his friend's talent.
Being vigilant or possessive to guard a relationship or something precious
嫉妬 (しっと) is used for romantic jealousy or when you feel threatened by a rival. 羨ましい (うらやましい) is used for envy of someone's possessions, achievements, or good fortune, without the element of threat. Using 嫉妬 for material envy can sound overly dramatic.
Avoid directly translating 'jealous' as 嫉妬 in all contexts. For example, 'I'm jealous of your new car' should be 羨ましい, not 嫉妬.
He is jealous of his colleague's promotion.
My girlfriend is the jealous type and it's a problem.