Schadenfreude and sadism both involve pleasure from others' suffering but differ in key aspects.

Schadenfreude, a passive experience, arise from observing misfortunes, often fueled by envy or a sense of justice, without a desire to cause harm.

It's a complex emotion that varies culturally and is not universally accepted but is sometimes seen as a relatively less harmful reaction.

Sadism, conversely, entails active infliction of pain or humiliation driven by a desire for control and power and range from mild to extreme forms.

It's socially and legally condemned, associated with ethical violation and concerns over consent and morality.

The main distinction lies in Schadenfreude's passive nature and societal reception versus sadism's active engagement and moral implication.

Both highlight different psychological and social dynamics in how individuals relate to others' distress.