Translation and Meaning of: 嫉妬 - shito

If you have ever wondered what the Japanese word 嫉妬[しっと] means, this article will help you understand its meaning, origin, and how it is used in everyday Japan. Here, we will explore everything from its kanji writing to the cultural context in which this expression appears, as well as tips for memorizing it effectively. Whether for study or curiosity, understanding 嫉妬 is essential for anyone looking to dive into the Japanese language.

Meaning and translation of 嫉妬 [しっと]

嫉妬[しっと] is a Japanese word that means "jealousy" or "envy," depending on the context. It describes a negative feeling towards another person's success, possessions, or qualities. While in Portuguese "ciúme" and "inveja" can have different nuances, in Japanese, 嫉妬 can encompass both concepts.

It is worth noting that, although it is common to translate 嫉妬 as "romantic jealousy," it can also be used in non-romantic situations, such as in the workplace or among friends. The choice of the most appropriate translation always depends on the context in which the word appears.

Origin and writing in kanji

The word 嫉妬 is composed of two kanji: 嫉 (envy, resentment) and 妬 (jealousy, envy). Both characters carry meanings related to negative emotions, reinforcing the idea of an intense and often destructive feeling. This combination is not random and truly reflects the emotional strength that the word carries.

Interestingly, the kanji 嫉 appears in other words like 嫉む[そねむ] (to envy), while 妬 can be seen in 妬み[ねたみ] (resentment). This relationship between the kanjis helps to understand why 嫉妬 has such a strong meaning in the Japanese vocabulary.

Cultural usage and frequency in Japan

In Japan, 嫉妬 is a word that appears quite frequently, both in everyday conversations and in the media. It is used to describe feelings that are culturally seen as negative and even shameful. Unlike some Western cultures, where envy can be expressed more openly, in Japan this feeling is often suppressed or disguised.

In animes and dramas, for example, 嫉妬 is often portrayed as a motivator for conflicts between characters. This use reinforces how the word is linked to situations of emotional tension. Knowing how to identify when it appears can be useful for those who consume Japanese content or want to better understand the nuances of the language.

Tips for memorizing 嫉妬 [しっと]

An efficient way to memorize 嫉妬 is to associate its kanjis with mental images. For example, the radical 女 (woman) appears in both characters, which can help to remember that the word is linked to intense human emotions. Another tip is to create simple sentences, such as "嫉妬する (to be jealous)", to reinforce the derived verb.

Additionally, hearing the pronunciation "shitto" in real contexts, such as in dialogues from doramas or songs, can facilitate learning. Repeating the word out loud and using it in your own sentences are also techniques that help internalize its meaning and correct usage.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 妬み (Netami) - Jealousy, envy in relation to someone or something you possess.
• そねみ (Sonomi) - Envy or jealousy, often related to dissatisfaction due to others' success.
• うらやみ (Urayami) - Envy, more specifically the desire to have something that another possesses.
• しっと (Shitto) - Jealousy or envy, with a stronger connotation, often in relationships.

嫉妬

Romaji: shito
Kana: しっと
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: Jealousy

Meaning in English: jealousy

Definition: The feeling of seeing someone else's success or happiness and wanting it for oneself.

Example Sentences - (嫉妬) shito

See below some example sentences:

嫉妬は自分自身を苦しめるだけだ。

Shitto wa jibun jishin o kurushimeru dake da

Jealousy just grieves.

• 嫉妬 (shitto) - envy
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 自分自身 (jibun jishin) - To yourself
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 苦しめる (kurushimeru) - cause suffering
• だけ (dake) - Only
• だ (da) - verb to be in the present