ghen
[ɣɛn˧˧]
The English word jealous is translated into Vietnamese as ghen.
ghen is most commonly used to describe romantic jealousy or possessiveness between partners.
Meaning: envious, feeling resentful of someone for a perceived advantage, material or otherwise (adj)
Which one should you use?
While ghen can be used for general envy, the compound form ghen tỵ is more specific to feeling envious of someone's possessions, success or advantages. Additionally, ghen tuông is a more formal or descriptive term used specifically to refer to romantic jealousy or jealousy related to infidelity.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Vietnamese, ghen functions as a verb or an adjective that does not require a preceding 'to be' verb like là when describing a state of feeling.
Did you know?
- The phrase ghen ăn tức ở is a common idiom used to describe someone who is so jealous they actually become resentful of another's very existence.
- In social settings, calling someone ghen can be a playful tease among friends, whereas in a relationship, it is often viewed as a sign of deep care or obsession.
- The phrase ghen tuông is often used in legal or formal contexts when discussing domestic disputes or motives for crimes of passion.
Examples in context
- Bạn vẫn ghen à?Are you still jealous?This example shows how to ask if someone is still feeling ghen.Tatoeba #13666261 by leucammieuvu, translation #4235820 by Hybrid
- Người phụ nữ đã ghen.The lady was jealous.This sentence demonstrates a simple statement about a woman being ghen.Tatoeba #13508461 by leucammieuvu, translation #13507083 by rul
- Tại sao tôi phải ghen tỵ?Why would I be jealous?This sentence uses the form ghen tỵ to express the idea of being envious.Tatoeba #3469992 by tucm, translation #3299735 by Hybrid
- Tôi cảm thấy ganh ghét khi thấy người khác nhận được sự quan tâm nhiều hơn.I feel jealous when I see others receiving more attention.
- Anh ta đã được thăng chức, mọi người đều ganh ghét anh ta.He got promoted, and everyone is jealous of him.
- Cô ấy tuy xinh đẹp nhưng rất ghen tị với những cô gái khác.She is beautiful but very jealous of other girls.
- Em cảm thấy ghen tị với thành tích học tập của anh rất nhiều.I feel really jealous of your academic achievements.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lan and Tuấn are talking about a coworker's new promotion.
- LanAnh có thấy ghen khi anh ấy được thăng chức không?Are you jealous that he got promoted?
- TuấnKhông, tôi thực sự vui cho anh ấy.No, I am actually happy for him.
- LanTôi cứ nghĩ anh sẽ ghen một chút.I thought you would be a little jealous.
- TuấnTôi không bao giờ làm vậy, Lan ạ.I never do that, Lan.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ghen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
