Chinese word

羡慕

Pronunciation

Pinyinxiàn mù

Meaning

  • verbenvy

Example

我很羡慕你有这么多朋友。wǒ hěn xiàn mù nǐ yǒu zhè me duō péng yǒu

I really envy you for having so many friends.

Illustration for 羡慕 (envy)

More examples

他人优秀的成绩让人羡慕。tā rén yōu xiù de chéng jì ràng rén xiàn mù

Other people's excellent grades make people envious.

Core concept

Seeing another person's advantage creates a wish for the same advantage, often with appreciation rather than resentment.

Common phrases

  • 令人羡慕lìng rén xiàn mù

    envy-inspiring

  • 对别人的成就羡慕duì bié rén de chéng jiù xiàn mù

    envy other people's achievements

  • 暗暗羡慕àn àn xiàn mù

    secretly envy

Similar words

嫉妒jí dù: Wanting another person's success or advantage and feeling unhappy or resentful about it.
佩服pèi fú: Admiring someone's abilities or behavior with a strong sense of respect.
赞赏zàn shǎng: Valuing the merit of someone's words, actions, or creative work and showing that appreciation.
爱慕ài mù: Loving someone romantically or feeling a strong personal attraction to them.

Definition in Chinese

对别人拥有的东西或处境希望自己也有，带有赞赏或渴望的情感。duì bié rén yōng yǒu de dōng xī huò chǔ jìng xī wàng zì jǐ yě yǒu dài yǒu zàn shǎng huò kě wàng de qíng gǎn

Word origin

羡 (xiàn, "to envy") supplies the feeling of wanting another's good fortune, while 慕 (mù, "to admire or long for") adds attraction and respect.

Usage tips

  • English-speaking learners often reserve "envy" for a harsher feeling, but everyday Chinese can use this verb in a friendly compliment about someone else's advantages.

Other meanings

  • admireverb

Opposites

Related words

  • 羡慕不已xiàn mù bù yǐenvy endlesslyidiom
  • 羡慕者xiàn mù zhěenviernoun

Word lists with this word