Signification
To be extremely jealous.
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'phthonos' (envy) is ancient. In Greek tragedy, even the gods were said to 'burst with envy' at human success, leading to 'nemesis'. Greeks use this phrase constantly on Instagram and Facebook. It's almost a required social script when someone posts something enviable. Because envy is dangerous, Greeks often follow an envious comment with 'Φτου φτου' (spitting sound) to ward off the evil eye.
Add the pronoun
Always add 'μου', 'σου', etc. after 'ζήλια' to sound 100% native.
Don't use it for sadness
You can't 'burst' from sadness in Greek; you 'melt' (λιώνω) or 'drown' (πνίγομαι).
Signification
To be extremely jealous.
Add the pronoun
Always add 'μου', 'σου', etc. after 'ζήλια' to sound 100% native.
Don't use it for sadness
You can't 'burst' from sadness in Greek; you 'melt' (λιώνω) or 'drown' (πνίγομαι).
The 'Good' Envy
Greeks often use this to mean 'I wish I were you' in a positive way.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'σκάω' and the preposition.
Η Μαρία ________ ________ τη ζήλια της όταν είδε το δαχτυλίδι μου.
The sentence is in the past tense (she saw the ring), so we use 'έσκασε' followed by 'από'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to react to a friend's lottery win?
A: Ζηλεύω πολύ. B: Σκάω από τη ζήλια μου! C: Έχω ζήλια.
B is the most idiomatic and expressive choice for a close friend.
Match the Greek phrase with its English equivalent.
1. Σκάω από τη ζήλια μου 2. Πρασινίζω από τη ζήλια 3. Πεθαίνω από τη ζήλια
These are direct idiomatic equivalents.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesΗ Μαρία ________ ________ τη ζήλια της όταν είδε το δαχτυλίδι μου.
The sentence is in the past tense (she saw the ring), so we use 'έσκασε' followed by 'από'.
A: Ζηλεύω πολύ. B: Σκάω από τη ζήλια μου! C: Έχω ζήλια.
B is the most idiomatic and expressive choice for a close friend.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are direct idiomatic equivalents.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
3 questionsUsually no, if said with a smile. It's often a compliment to their good luck.
Yes, but 'ζηλεύω' is more common for romantic contexts. 'Σκάω' is better for possessions or success.
Έσκασα από τη ζήλια μου.
Expressions liées
σκάω από τη ζέστη
similarTo be extremely hot
ζηλεύω θανάσιμα
synonymTo be deathly jealous
μου βγήκαν τα μάτια
similarMy eyes popped out
σκασίλα μου
contrastI don't care at all
