Signification
To feel envy or jealousy towards someone else's success or happiness.
Contexte culturel
In Brazil, 'dor de cotovelo' is the heart of 'Sertanejo Universitário' and 'Brega' music. It's often celebrated in a humorous way during parties. In Portugal, the phrase is used with a bit more restraint but is very common in Fado lyrics to express the 'despeito' of a lost love. Used similarly to Brazil, often appearing in Semba music which deals with social and romantic themes. On Brazilian Twitter, 'dor de cotovelo' is often used to shut down critics of famous pop stars like Anitta or Luísa Sonza.
Use with 'estar com'
It sounds more natural to say 'estou com dor de cotovelo' than 'tenho dor de cotovelo' for temporary feelings.
Don't use with bosses
Even if you are jealous of a colleague, use more professional language in the office.
Signification
To feel envy or jealousy towards someone else's success or happiness.
Use with 'estar com'
It sounds more natural to say 'estou com dor de cotovelo' than 'tenho dor de cotovelo' for temporary feelings.
Don't use with bosses
Even if you are jealous of a colleague, use more professional language in the office.
The 'Sertanejo' connection
If you want to practice this, listen to 'Marília Mendonça'—she was the queen of this idiom!
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
O Paulo viu a ex-namorada com outro e agora ele ______ dor de cotovelo.
'Estar com' is the most natural way to describe a temporary state of feeling an emotion.
Which situation best describes 'dor de cotovelo'?
Choose the correct scenario:
This is the primary figurative meaning of the phrase.
Match the Portuguese phrase to its English equivalent.
Match the following:
Both are idioms for jealousy.
Fill in the dialogue.
A: 'Você viu que a Julia ganhou na loteria?' B: 'Vi sim. O Marcos está falando mal dela, mas é só ______.'
Marcos is speaking ill because he is envious of her winning.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesO Paulo viu a ex-namorada com outro e agora ele ______ dor de cotovelo.
'Estar com' is the most natural way to describe a temporary state of feeling an emotion.
Choose the correct scenario:
This is the primary figurative meaning of the phrase.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Both are idioms for jealousy.
A: 'Você viu que a Julia ganhou na loteria?' B: 'Vi sim. O Marcos está falando mal dela, mas é só ______.'
Marcos is speaking ill because he is envious of her winning.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot really, but it is teasing. It's like calling someone 'salty' in English.
Yes, but you should say 'dor NO cotovelo' to be clear you aren't talking about an ex-girlfriend.
Yes, it is perfectly understood and used in Portugal, though the musical associations might differ.
It's a funny, made-up 'disease' name for someone who is always jealous.
Yes! The phrase is gender-neutral. Both men and women 'têm dor de cotovelo'.
The formal version would be 'sentir despeito' or 'ter inveja'.
Because of the posture of leaning on a bar counter while being sad.
Yes! If a fan of a losing team complains about the winner, you can say they have 'dor de cotovelo'.
It's a classic. It's not 'trendy' like some slang, but it never goes out of style.
You can say 'A dor de cotovelo passou'.
Expressions liées
Dor de corno
similarJealousy of being cheated on
Recalque
synonymEnvy/Resentment
Inveja branca
contrastWhite envy
Chorar as pitangas
builds onTo cry over spilled milk / To complain a lot
