Translation guide
To feel bitterness or indignation at a perceived wrong, insult, or unfairness. Japanese expresses this through verbs, adjectives, and phrases that convey holding a grudge, feeling bitter, or being unable to forgive.
Express a deep, lingering feeling of resentment toward someone for a past wrong.
The most direct verb for 'to resent' or 'to bear a grudge.' Implies a strong, often long-lasting negative feeling toward someone.
彼は裏切られたことを今でも恨んでいる。
He still resents being betrayed.
Literally 'to hold at the root.' Means to hold a grudge and not forget a past offense. Very common in spoken Japanese.
彼女は小さなミスをいつまでも根に持つ。
She resents even small mistakes forever.
A stronger, more literary variant of 恨む, often implying deep-seated bitterness or a grudge. Rare in everyday speech.
彼は社会を怨んでいる。
He resents society.
Express resentment not necessarily directed at a specific person, but at a situation, fate, or perceived injustice.
Literally 'to think it's frustrating/regrettable.' Expresses a feeling of vexation and resentment, often at one's own failure or an unfair outcome.
彼は自分だけが罰せられたことを悔しく思っている。
He resents that only he was punished.
To envy and resent someone's success or advantages. Focuses on jealousy mixed with resentment.
同僚の昇進を妬んでいる。
I resent my colleague's promotion.
To feel something is unfair; a milder, more descriptive way to express resentment about unfairness.
その決定を不公平に思う人もいる。
Some people resent the decision as unfair.
Express that the resentment is so strong that forgiveness is impossible.
Literally 'cannot forgive.' Often used to express strong resentment toward someone's actions.
彼の無責任な態度が許せない。
I resent his irresponsible attitude.
To get angry; often implies a simmering resentment. More about anger than long-term grudge.
彼の言い方には今でも腹が立つ。
I still resent the way he said it.
English 'resent' covers a range from mild bitterness to deep grudge. Japanese often uses phrases like 悔しく思う or 許せない instead of a single verb. Using 恨む for mild resentment can sound too strong.
恨む is about resentment for a wrong done to you; 妬む is about envy and resentment of another's success or possessions. Do not confuse them.