Meaning and Usage
The verb '부러워하다' means 'to envy' or 'to be envious of' someone or something. It expresses a feeling of wanting what another person has, whether it is success, possessions, or qualities.
Common Contexts
This word is often used in everyday conversations when talking about admiration mixed with a bit of jealousy. For example, you might say it when you admire a friend's achievements or lifestyle.
Collocations and Patterns
- 부러워하다 + noun: to envy something specific (e.g., 친구의 성공을 부러워하다 - to envy a friend's success)
- 부러워하지 말다: to advise someone not to be envious
- 정말 부러워: an expression to emphasize strong envy
Register and Politeness
'부러워하다' is neutral in formality and can be used in casual and polite conversations. It is not formal or honorific.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '부러워하다' with '질투하다' (to be jealous in a possessive sense). '부러워하다' is more about admiring or wishing for what others have, while '질투하다' often involves romantic or possessive jealousy.
Use '부러워하다' when you want to express envy without negative feelings of rivalry.