嫉妒 (jí dù) is a strong, negative emotion involving resentment or bitterness toward someone else’s advantages—such as success, possessions, talents, or relationships. It combines two characters with similar meanings: 嫉 (jí), which conveys intense dislike or intolerance of others’ superiority, and 妒 (dù), which emphasizes painful awareness of being disadvantaged in comparison. Together, they form a compound word that carries moral weight in Chinese culture—often associated with pettiness, insecurity, or moral failing.

This word is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese to describe interpersonal tension, especially when someone feels threatened by another’s achievements or attention. Unlike neutral terms like 羡慕 (xiànmù, 'to admire'), 嫉妒 implies harmful intent or inner turmoil and is rarely used positively. It appears frequently in literature, psychological discussions, and everyday criticism—for example, accusing someone of acting out of jealousy or warning against letting it damage relationships.