Translation and Meaning of: 羨む - urayamu

If you have ever felt that pang in your chest when seeing someone with something you desire, then you know well the meaning of 羨む (うらやむ) – "to envy" in Japanese. But does this word go beyond the basic feeling of covetousness? In this article, you will discover the surprising etymology behind the kanji, how the Japanese use this expression in their daily lives, and even tips for memorizing its writing. And if you study with Anki or another spaced repetition method, you will love the practical sentences we selected to boost your vocabulary.

The Kanji and Its Curious Origin

The kanji 羨 is a masterpiece of visual language. It combines the radical of sheep (羊) with the component insufficient (欠) – an image that practically screams "I want what I don’t have." This pictographic combination reflects the essence of envy: the desire for something that belongs to another. Interestingly, in ancient China, sheep were symbols of prosperity, which makes the association even more clever.

In modern writing, the stroke that confuses students the most is the small "leg" at the lower right corner of the kanji. Many people forget this detail, but it is crucial for differentiating 羨 from similar characters. A tip? Think of this stroke as the shaky leg of someone feeling jealous – after all, that feeling often leaves people a bit off balance.

Lies in Japan: Much More Than Basic Jealousy

In Japan, うらやむ carries nuances that range from genuine iration to resentment. Unlike Portuguese, where "inveja" almost always has a negative connotation, the Japanese use this word also in positive contexts. Have you ever heard a Japanese person say "うらやましい！" with a smile? It's a disguised compliment, like our "you're so lucky!"

But pay attention: the tone of voice makes all the difference. The same phrase said through clenched teeth can turn into a sharp jab. In Japanese companies, for example, this verb frequently appears in hallway conversations – often accompanied by a discreet sigh when someone is promoted before their colleagues. Among young people, it is common to hear "マジでうらやむ！" (maji de urayamu!) to express iration for a new phone or trip.

Memorization and Common Mistakes

Want an infallible trick to never forget this kanji? Associate each part with a vivid scene: imagine a sheep (羊) looking with bright eyes at a lush green field that it lacks (欠). This bizarre image will stick in your memory. Another common trick is to confuse the pronunciation – that the む at the end requires a barely audible "u," as if you were murmuring jealousy.

When it comes to conjugating, many students stumble on the teinei (polite) form. Instead of making it up, memorize this gem: うらやましいです for the present and うらやましがっていました to report someone else’s envy in the past. And if you want to sound like a native, try the slang うらやましすぎ！ (urayamashisugi!) – perfect for when the envy is too great for normal words.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 羨む

• 羨む - base form
• 羨まない - Negative
• 羨みます - Formal
• 羨まれる - ive
• 羨めば - Conditional

Synonyms and similar words

• 羨ましい (urayamashii) - Feel envious; desire what someone else has.
• うらやむ (urayamu) - Feel envy; be jealous of what someone else has.
• あこがれる (akogareru) - Deep iration; wanting to be like someone, often without a tone of envy.
• ねたむ (netamu) - To envy; to harbor resentment due to someone's success or happiness.
• しみじみと感じる (shimijimi to kanjiru) - To feel deeply; to reflect intensely on feelings or experiences, often related to nostalgia.