妬む

• Reading: ねたむ
• Romaji: netamu
• Kanji breakdown: 妬 (neta/to) — jealousy, envy
• Pronunciation: /ne.ta.mɯ/

Meaning

To be jealous of; to envy; to begrudge someone their success or happiness.

A Group 1 (godan) transitive verb with a strongly negative nuance. Unlike うらやましい (which can express positive admiration), 妬む implies resentful jealousy. Often used with を to mark the person or thing envied.

Examples

1. 他人の成功を妬んでも、自分のためにならない。 Being jealous of other people's success doesn't do you any good.
2. 彼女の才能を妬む人がいるのは仕方がない。 It's inevitable that some people will be jealous of her talent.
3. 妬まれるほど幸せなら、それでいいじゃないか。 If you're happy enough to make others jealous, isn't that good enough?

Usage Guide

Context: interpersonal, emotions, self-reflection

Tone: negative

Origin & History

From classical Japanese. The kanji 妬 combines 女 (woman) and 石 (stone), an ancient association with jealousy — though the etymology is debated among scholars.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal