Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 부러움 | bureoum | [puɾʌ̹um] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 질투 | jiltu | [t͡ɕiɭtʰu] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
Envy is expressed as a resentful desire for something possessed by another. You can use the adjective 부럽다 to describe the state of being envious or enviable. In a polite context, saying 부러워요 is a common way to react to someone's good news to express a friendly, lighthearted "I'm so jealous!"
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on whether the feeling is positive or negative. 부러움 is used for admiration or longing, representing a positive or neutral sense of envy, such as saying "I'm so jealous of your talent!" In contrast, 질투 refers to jealousy or resentment, used when the feeling is more malicious and involves resentment or the fear of losing someone's affection to a rival.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The concept of envy is often expressed through the adjective 부럽다, which describes the state of feeling envy.
How do you pronounce it?
bureoum
Did you know?
- Korean has a specific term called 사촌이 땅을 사면 배가 아프다, which literally means 'if your cousin buys land, your stomach aches', describing a deep sense of envy.
- The word 질투 is frequently used in Korean pop songs and dramas to describe the 'cute' jealousy of a romantic partner, blurring the line between malicious resentment and affection.
- While 부럽다 is usually a compliment, if you say it too often to a superior, it can be perceived as highlighting the power gap rather than offering a sincere compliment.
Examples in context
- 그의 재능에 부러움을 느꼈습니다.I felt envy towards his talent.
- 제가 그의 성공을 보고 시기하고 있습니다.I am feeling envious as I see his success.
- 너무 부러워! 그 여자 정말 예쁘다.I'm so envious! That girl is really pretty.
- 그러면 너도 시기하겠지.You must feel envious too, then.
- 너의 재능은 부러움의 대상이야.neoui jaeneung-eun bureoum-ui daesang-iya.Your talent is an object of envy.
Example conversation
Seoyeon and Minjun are talking about a friend's new car.
- 서연 Seo-yeon민준 씨, 새 차 정말 멋지네요.Minjun ssi, sae cha jeongmal meotjineyo.Minjun, the new car is really cool.
- 민준 Min-jun감사합니다. 서연 씨도 좋아하시죠?gamsahamnida. Seoyeon ssi-do joahasijyo?Thank you. You like it too, Seoyeon?
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 부러움이 밀려오네요.ne, bureoumi millyeooneyo.Yes, I'm overwhelmed with envy.
- 민준 Min-jun다음에 같이 타러 가요.da-eume gachi tareo gayo.Let's go for a ride together next time.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “envy” translations and entries 부러움, 질투, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
