How to Write 羡 (xiàn) — Meaning “to envy; to admire”

Imagine a sheep (羊) standing next to a person saying "I want that!" — the lower part 次 (next) looks like a person with an open mouth. This visual helps you remember that 羡 means "to envy" or "to admire" something you see.

Write the top 羊 with the left dot first, then the three horizontal strokes, and finally the vertical stroke. The lower part 次 starts with the two dots (冫), then a horizontal stroke, and a curved hook — be careful not to make the hook too long. Keep the overall shape balanced, with the top slightly narrower than the bottom.

羔 (gāo, lamb) has 羊 on top and 灬 (fire) below — it refers to a young sheep, not envy. 羕 (yàng, flowing water) looks very similar to 羡 but has 永 (eternal) instead of 次 below; it is a rare character, while 羡 is common. Visually, 羡 has a clear "次" bottom part with dots and a hook.

羡 appears most often in the word 羡慕 (xiàn mù), meaning "to envy" or "to admire" someone's qualities or possessions. It is used in everyday conversation, like "我很羡慕你的能力" (I really admire your ability). Culturally, expressing 羡慕 is common in compliments but can also imply a bit of jealousy, so context matters.

Common words containing 羡 include: 羡慕 (xiàn mù) — to envy; to admire; 称羡 (chēng xiàn) — to admire; 欣羡 (xīn xiàn) — To admire.