忌才 (jì cái) is a verb meaning 'to resent or feel jealous of another person’s talent,' especially when that talent threatens one’s own status, recognition, or advancement. The character 忌 means 'to fear, avoid, or resent'—often implying emotional discomfort or hostility—and 才 means 'talent, ability, or giftedness.' Together, they form a compound expressing the psychological reaction of insecurity or envy toward someone more skilled or accomplished, particularly in competitive or hierarchical settings like workplaces, academia, or traditional court politics.

This term carries a distinctly negative moral connotation in Chinese culture, reflecting Confucian values that emphasize humility, mutual encouragement, and respect for merit. It appears frequently in historical texts and modern critiques of toxic workplace behavior. While not colloquial in everyday speech, it’s widely understood in written or formal contexts and often used to condemn leaders or peers who suppress talented subordinates out of self-preservation rather than fairness or collective good.