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A2 adjective #4,000 mais comum 10 min de leitura

envidioso

Top 4,000

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas envidioso em 30 segundos

Explicação envidioso in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should focus on the most basic use of envidioso. This means understanding it as a simple adjective that describes a feeling of wanting something another person has. You will mostly use it with the verb ser to describe a person's character in a very simple way or estar to describe how someone feels right now. Remember that the word ends in '-o' for a boy/man and '-a' for a girl/woman. You might see it in simple sentences like 'Él es envidioso' (He is envious) or 'Ella es envidiosa' (She is envious). At this stage, don't worry too much about complex prepositions; just focus on recognizing the word when you hear it in stories or simple conversations about siblings or friends sharing toys. It is a useful word for basic descriptions of people's personalities, even if it is a bit negative. You can think of it as the opposite of 'generoso' (generous) in many simple contexts.

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At the A2 level, you begin to use envidioso in more complete sentences. You should start using the preposition de to say exactly what someone is envious of. For example, 'Juan está envidioso de mi bicicleta' (Juan is envious of my bicycle). You should also be comfortable using the plural forms: envidiosos and envidiosas. At this level, you can distinguish between a permanent trait (using ser) and a temporary feeling (using estar). You might use it to describe characters in simple books or to talk about common social situations, like being envious of a friend's new phone or a classmate's good grades. It is important to start noticing that while English often uses 'jealous' for everything, Spanish speakers prefer envidioso when they are talking about objects or success. You might also encounter the noun form 'la envidia' (the envy) and see how envidioso is related to it.

By the B1 level, you should be able to use envidioso to discuss more abstract concepts and social dynamics. You can explain why someone is envious and use it in different tenses, such as the past or future. For example, 'Cuando era niño, yo era muy envidioso de mis primos' (When I was a child, I was very envious of my cousins). You will also start to encounter common idioms and phrases, like 'morirse de envidia' (to die of envy). At this level, the distinction between envidioso and celoso becomes very important. You should be able to explain that envidioso is about wanting what others have, while celoso is usually about romantic jealousy or being protective of a relationship. You might also use the word in the context of 'envidia sana' (healthy envy) to express admiration in a friendly way without sounding bitter.

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At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of envidioso and its social implications. You can use it to analyze characters in literature or films and discuss the psychological motivations behind their envy. You'll be able to use it as a noun comfortably, as in 'El envidioso suele sufrir más que el envidiado' (The envious person usually suffers more than the person being envied). You should also be familiar with more sophisticated synonyms like codicioso or resentido and know when to choose them over envidioso. At this level, you can participate in debates about whether envy is a natural human trait or a social construct. You will also notice how the word is used in media and song lyrics to describe 'haters' and how it plays a role in the social concept of 'el qué dirán' (what people will say). Your use of the word should be grammatically perfect, including complex sentence structures and correct prepositional usage.

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At the C1 level, your use of envidioso should be sophisticated and contextually precise. You can use it in academic or professional settings to describe competitive behaviors or social phenomena. You will understand the historical and religious weight of the word in Spanish culture, particularly its status as one of the 'pecados capitales' (deadly sins). You can appreciate how authors use the adjective to create atmosphere or to subtly critique society. For example, you might analyze how an 'envidiosa mirada' (envious gaze) functions as a motif in a novel. You should be able to use the word in the subjunctive to express hypothetical situations or feelings: 'No creo que sea envidioso, solo es ambicioso' (I don't think he's envious, he's just ambitious). You will also be familiar with regional variations and slang terms related to envy across the Spanish-speaking world, allowing you to tailor your speech to your audience.

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At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of envidioso and its entire semantic field. You can use the word with total spontaneity and precision, capturing the finest shades of meaning. You might use it in philosophical discussions about the nature of desire and the human condition. You are comfortable with archaic or highly literary uses of the word and can identify it in classical Spanish literature (like the works of Quevedo or Cervantes). You understand how the concept of the envidioso has evolved over centuries and its relationship to other concepts like 'honor' and 'linaje'. Your command of the word allows you to use it ironically, metaphorically, or with deep emotional resonance. You can effortlessly navigate the cultural sensitivities surrounding the word and use it to build complex, nuanced arguments or narratives in both spoken and written Spanish.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

envidioso em 30 segundos

Envidioso means 'envious' or 'jealous' of things/success.
It changes endings: envidioso (m), envidiosa (f).
Use 'ser' for character traits and 'estar' for temporary feelings.
Commonly followed by the preposition 'de' (envious of).

The Spanish word envidioso is an adjective used to describe someone who experiences envy—a complex emotion characterized by a desire for what others possess, whether that be material wealth, physical attributes, social status, or personal achievements. While the English word 'envious' is its direct translation, envidioso carries a slightly broader social weight in Spanish-speaking cultures, often appearing in everyday conversations, folklore, and literature to describe a specific personality archetype or a passing state of mind.

Personality Trait: When used with the verb ser, it describes a person who is habitually envious. For example, 'Juan es muy envidioso' implies that envy is a core part of Juan's character. In many Hispanic cultures, being labeled as 'envidioso' is a significant social stigma, as it suggests a lack of contentment and a negative disposition toward the success of others.

No seas envidioso con el éxito de tu hermano; alégrate por él.

The psychological depth of envidioso involves more than just 'wanting.' It often implies a feeling of resentment or even a wish that the other person didn't have the thing in question. This is what distinguishes it from simple admiration. If you admire someone, you want to emulate them; if you are envidioso, you might feel bitter about their advantage. This nuance is crucial for learners to understand when navigating social dynamics in Spanish.

Temporary State: When used with estar, it refers to a temporary feeling. 'Estoy un poco envidioso de tu viaje' means 'I am a little envious of your trip.' This is a softer, more relatable usage that doesn't condemn the person's entire character.

Sé que suena mal, pero estoy envidioso de tu nuevo coche.

Historically, the concept of envy has been one of the seven deadly sins in Catholic tradition, which is deeply rooted in Spanish-speaking history. This gives the word envidioso a moralistic undertone that might be stronger than the English 'envious.' In literature, the personaje envidioso is a common trope, serving as an antagonist who attempts to sabotage the hero due to their own perceived lack.

Social Context: In casual conversation, friends might use it jokingly. If a friend shows you their new high-end smartphone, you might say '¡Qué envidioso soy!' with a smile to mean 'I'm so jealous (in a good way)!'. However, use this carefully, as the tone of voice is everything.

El vecino es tan envidioso que siempre intenta comprarnos lo mismo.

Las personas envidiosas rara vez son felices con lo que tienen.

Ese comentario fue un poco envidioso, ¿no crees?

Understanding the word envidioso is not just about learning a translation; it is about grasping a social dynamic that is frequently discussed in Spanish culture. Whether it is a warning against 'la envidia' or a lighthearted comment about someone's cool new gadget, the word is indispensable for reaching a B1 or B2 level of fluency where cultural nuances become as important as grammar rules.

Using envidioso correctly requires attention to two main things: grammatical agreement (gender and number) and the distinction between the verbs ser and estar. Because it is an adjective, it must match the noun it describes. Furthermore, the preposition de (of/at) is almost always used to specify the object of the envy.

Agreement Rules: If you are talking about a man, use envidioso. For a woman, use envidiosa. For groups, use envidiosos or envidiosas. Example: 'Ellas son envidiosas' (They [fem.] are envious).

No quiero parecer envidiosa, pero su vestido es precioso.

The preposition de is the bridge between the feeling and the cause. You are 'envidioso de' something or someone. In English, we might say 'envious of' or 'jealous of', and in Spanish, 'de' covers both. For example: 'Él está envidioso de mi éxito' (He is envious of my success).

Ser vs Estar: Use ser for a permanent trait. 'Mi primo es envidioso' means he has an envious personality. Use estar for a temporary state. 'Estoy envidioso de tu helado' means I want your ice cream right now.

Siempre has sido un envidioso, desde que éramos niños.

It can also function as a noun (substantive). When you say 'el envidioso', you are referring to 'the envious person'. This is very common in proverbs or when talking about people in a general sense. 'El envidioso nunca descansa' (The envious person never rests).

Positioning: Usually, it follows the noun. 'Un hombre envidioso'. However, in literary contexts, it might precede the noun for emphasis: 'Su envidiosa mirada' (His envious gaze).

Vimos a unos chicos envidiosos mirando nuestro coche nuevo.

¿Por qué estás tan envidioso hoy?

In summary, focus on matching the ending to who you are talking about and choosing the right verb to indicate if it is a personality trait or just a passing feeling. Don't forget the 'de' if you want to say what you are envious of!

The word envidioso is ubiquitous in Spanish-speaking cultures, appearing in everything from high-drama television to playground chatter. Understanding where you'll encounter it helps in grasping its various connotations, from playful to deeply insulting.

Telenovelas and Media: In the world of soap operas, the 'villana' (female villain) is often described as envidiosa. She envies the protagonist's beauty, her love interest, or her virtuous nature. You'll hear lines like: '¡Eres una envidiosa, siempre has querido mi vida!' (You're envious, you've always wanted my life!).

La prensa dice que el jugador es envidioso de sus compañeros.

In everyday life, specifically in the context of 'el chisme' (gossip), the word is a staple. When people discuss why someone might have made a mean comment, they often conclude with: 'Es que es un envidioso' (It's just that he's envious). It serves as a universal explanation for negative behavior towards others' success.

Music and Lyrics: Reggaeton, Salsa, and Regional Mexican music frequently mention envidiosos. Artists often sing about their rise to fame and how 'los envidiosos' (the haters/envious ones) try to bring them down. It’s a common theme of overcoming adversity and social spite.

A los envidiosos les duele ver mi progreso.

In a family setting, parents might use the word to correct a child's behavior. If a child cries because their sibling got a bigger piece of cake, the parent might say: 'No seas envidioso, hay suficiente para todos.' This is a common way the word is introduced to native speakers from a young age.

Social Media: On platforms like Instagram or TikTok, comments might include '¡Qué envidiosa!' (with heart emojis) to show admiration for a photo, or 'Fuera envidiosos' (Envious people stay away) on a post celebrating an achievement.

Muchos comentarios envidiosos aparecieron en su última publicación.

El mundo está lleno de gente envidiosa.

Whether it's the 'haters' in a song, the jealous sibling, or the bitter co-worker, envidioso is the go-to word to describe that specific human tendency to look sideways at others' fortunes.

English speakers often face two major hurdles when using envidioso: the confusion between envy and jealousy, and the grammatical nuances of adjective agreement and verb choice. Avoiding these mistakes will make your Spanish sound much more natural and precise.

Envy vs. Jealousy: In English, we often use 'jealous' for everything. In Spanish, envidioso is for wanting what others have (envy). Celoso is for the fear of losing what you have, usually in a romantic context (jealousy). If you say 'Estoy envidioso de mi novia,' it sounds like you want to be her or have what she has, rather than being protective of the relationship.

Incorrecto: Estoy envidioso porque ella habla con otros chicos. (Should be 'celoso').

Another common error is forgetting to change the ending for gender. English adjectives don't change, but Spanish ones do. Calling a woman 'envidioso' is a basic grammatical error that immediately marks you as a beginner. Always remember: Maria is envidiosa, and Jose is envidioso.

The Preposition Trap: Learners often try to use 'por' or 'con' after the word. While 'envidioso con' is sometimes heard, the standard and most common preposition is de. Saying 'Soy envidioso a tu éxito' is incorrect; it must be 'de tu éxito'.

Incorrecto: Son envidiosos por mi casa. (Correcto: ...de mi casa).

Misusing ser and estar can also lead to unintended meanings. If you say 'Mi amigo es envidioso,' you are insulting his character. If you just mean he's currently jealous of your sandwich, you should say 'Mi amigo está envidioso.' Using ser in a lighthearted situation can come off as surprisingly harsh.

Overusing the Word: Because envidioso has a strong negative charge, using it too frequently can make you sound judgmental. Native speakers often use softer terms like 'le gustaría tener lo mismo' (he'd like to have the same) to avoid the direct label.

No es que sea envidioso, es que es competitivo.

Pareces un niño envidioso cuando hablas así.

By keeping these distinctions in mind—especially the difference between 'envidioso' and 'celoso'—you will avoid the most common pitfalls that trap English speakers and communicate your feelings or observations with much higher accuracy.

While envidioso is the standard term, Spanish offers a rich palette of synonyms and related words that allow for more precise expression depending on the intensity and context of the feeling.

Celoso (Jealous): Often confused with envidioso, this refers to the fear of losing someone's affection to a third party. Use it for romantic or protective contexts. 'Un novio celoso' is a jealous boyfriend.

A veces los hermanos mayores son celosos del nuevo bebé.

If you want to describe someone whose envy has turned into a greedy desire for more than they need, codicioso (covetous/greedy) is a stronger alternative. While an envidioso person wants what you have, a codicioso person simply wants everything for themselves.

Resentido (Resentful): This word focuses on the bitterness that often accompanies envy. An envidioso person might become resentido if they feel life has been unfair to them compared to others.

Es un hombre resentido con la sociedad.

For a more positive spin, you might use admirador (admirer). If you like what someone has and want to emulate them without the negative bitterness, you are an admirer. In Spanish, people often clarify: 'No soy envidioso, solo te admiro' (I'm not envious, I just admire you).

Mezquino (Mean/Paltry): This describes someone who is small-minded or stingy, often because of their envy. An envidioso person might act in a mezquino way by refusing to help someone they envy.

Fue un gesto mezquino no invitarla a la fiesta.

La codicia y la envidia suelen ir de la mano.

Choosing the right word between envidioso, celoso, codicioso, or resentido will significantly improve your ability to describe human emotions and social situations with the nuance of a native speaker.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The root 'videre' (to see) shows that envy was historically linked to the act of looking at someone else's fortune. This is why we still talk about the 'evil eye' (mal de ojo) and 'envious gazes'.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /en.biˈðjo.so/

US /en.biˈðjo.so/

The stress is on the penultimate syllable: en-vi-DI-o-so.

Rima com

hermoso famoso curioso mentiroso precioso ruidoso sabroso valioso

Erros comuns

Pronouncing the 'v' like an English 'v' with teeth on the lip.
Pronouncing the 'd' too hard like an English 'd' in 'dog'.
Putting the stress on the last syllable.
Making the 'o' sound like 'oh' with a 'u' sound at the end.
Forgetting to change the ending to 'a' for females.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 2/5

Easy to recognize due to English cognate 'envious'.

Escrita 3/5

Requires correct gender/number agreement and preposition 'de'.

Expressão oral 3/5

Must distinguish from 'celoso' and use 'ser/estar' correctly.

Audição 2/5

Commonly heard in many contexts, usually clear.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

ser estar de persona éxito

Aprenda a seguir

celoso codicioso resentido ambicioso generoso

Avançado

mal de ojo pecados capitales mezquindad idiosincrasia

Gramática essencial

Adjective-Noun Agreement

Las chicas (f. pl.) son envidiosas (f. pl.).

Ser vs Estar with Adjectives

Soy envidioso (Personality) vs Estoy envidioso (Current feeling).

Prepositional Phrases

Envidioso + de + [Noun].

Substantivization of Adjectives

El envidioso (The envious person).

Negative Imperatives

No seas envidioso.

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Exemplos por nível

Él es un niño envidioso.

He is an envious boy.

Simple adjective use with 'ser'.

No seas envidiosa con tu hermana.

Don't be envious of your sister.

Imperative form (negative) with feminine adjective.

Juan es envidioso.

Juan is envious.

Basic subject-verb-adjective structure.

Ella no es envidiosa.

She is not envious.

Negative sentence structure.

¿Eres envidioso?

Are you envious?

Simple question format.

Mis amigos no son envidiosos.

My friends are not envious.

Plural masculine agreement.

El gato es envidioso de la comida del perro.

The cat is envious of the dog's food.

Using 'de' for the object of envy.

¡Qué envidioso!

How envious!

Exclamatory phrase.

Estoy envidioso de tu nuevo teléfono.

I am envious of your new phone.

Using 'estar' for a temporary feeling.

Ellas están envidiosas de su vestido.

They are envious of her dress.

Plural feminine agreement with 'estar'.

No quiero ser una persona envidiosa.

I don't want to be an envious person.

Using 'envidiosa' to modify 'persona' (feminine).

Pedro es muy envidioso de mi éxito en el trabajo.

Pedro is very envious of my success at work.

Adverb 'muy' modifying the adjective.

Vimos a unos vecinos envidiosos.

We saw some envious neighbors.

Adjective following a plural noun.

¿Por qué estás tan envidioso hoy?

Why are you so envious today?

Using 'tan' for emphasis.

Ella siempre ha sido un poco envidiosa.

She has always been a little envious.

Present perfect with 'ser'.

No me gusta la gente envidiosa.

I don't like envious people.

Collective noun 'gente' (feminine singular) agreement.

Me siento envidioso cuando veo sus fotos de vacaciones.

I feel envious when I see their vacation photos.

Using 'sentirse' + adjective.

Es normal sentirse envidioso de vez en cuando.

It's normal to feel envious from time to time.

Infinitive phrase as subject.

Si fueras menos envidioso, serías más feliz.

If you were less envious, you would be happier.

Imperfect subjunctive in a conditional sentence.

Se puso envidioso al ver el regalo de su hermano.

He became envious upon seeing his brother's gift.

Using 'ponerse' (to become) + adjective.

No seas envidioso, tú también tendrás tu oportunidad.

Don't be envious, you will have your chance too.

Negative imperative 'no seas'.

La envidia lo hace ser una persona envidiosa y amargada.

Envy makes him an envious and bitter person.

Noun 'envidia' vs adjective 'envidiosa'.

Estoy envidioso de lo bien que hablas español.

I am envious of how well you speak Spanish.

Envidioso de + [clause].

Aquel comentario envidioso arruinó la cena.

That envious comment ruined the dinner.

Demonstrative adjective 'aquel'.

El éxito ajeno a menudo despierta al envidioso que llevamos dentro.

The success of others often awakens the envious person we carry inside.

Using 'el envidioso' as a noun.

Resulta difícil no estar envidioso ante tal despliegue de riqueza.

It turns out to be difficult not to be envious before such a display of wealth.

Using 'ante' (before/in the face of).

Sus palabras sonaban envidiosas, aunque intentaba ocultarlo.

His words sounded envious, although he tried to hide it.

Verb 'sonar' (to sound) + adjective.

La sociedad competitiva crea individuos envidiosos del progreso del prójimo.

Competitive society creates individuals envious of their neighbor's progress.

Envidioso de + noun phrase.

No te dejes llevar por sentimientos envidiosos; no valen la pena.

Don't let yourself be carried away by envious feelings; they aren't worth it.

Passive construction 'dejarse llevar'.

Era tan envidioso que no podía soportar que nadie destacara.

He was so envious that he couldn't stand anyone standing out.

Consecutive clause 'tan... que'.

A menudo, el envidioso se disfraza de crítico constructivo.

Often, the envious person disguises themselves as a constructive critic.

Reflexive verb 'disfrazarse'.

Es envidioso por naturaleza, no puede evitarlo.

He is envious by nature, he can't help it.

Phrase 'por naturaleza'.

La envidiosa mirada del antagonista presagiaba el conflicto.

The antagonist's envious gaze foreshadowed the conflict.

Adjective preceding the noun for literary effect.

Se mostraba envidioso de la facilidad de palabra de su rival.

He showed himself to be envious of his rival's eloquence.

Reflexive 'mostrarse' + adjective.

Resulta patético ver a un hombre tan poderoso ser tan envidioso.

It is pathetic to see such a powerful man be so envious.

Adjective 'patético' as a judgment.

Aquel círculo social era conocido por ser sumamente envidioso.

That social circle was known for being extremely envious.

Adverb 'sumamente' (extremely).

Sus éxitos despertaron los instintos más envidiosos de sus colegas.

His successes awakened the most envious instincts of his colleagues.

Superlative 'más envidiosos'.

No hay nada más destructivo que un corazón envidioso.

There is nothing more destructive than an envious heart.

Comparative 'más... que'.

La literatura española abunda en personajes envidiosos y complejos.

Spanish literature abounds in envious and complex characters.

Verb 'abundar en'.

Pese a su aparente generosidad, era un ser profundamente envidioso.

Despite his apparent generosity, he was a deeply envious being.

Conjunction 'pese a' (despite).

La dialéctica del envidioso se fundamenta en la negación del mérito ajeno.

The dialectic of the envious person is based on the negation of others' merit.

Academic register and vocabulary.

En la obra de Quevedo, lo envidioso se convierte en una categoría ontológica.

In Quevedo's work, the envious becomes an ontological category.

Using 'lo' + masculine adjective for abstract concepts.

Su prosa, cargada de matices envidiosos, destila una amargura existencial.

His prose, loaded with envious nuances, distills an existential bitterness.

Participial phrase 'cargada de'.

El resentimiento del envidioso es el motor de muchas tragedias clásicas.

The resentment of the envious person is the motor of many classical tragedies.

Genitive construction 'del envidioso'.

Se percibe un trasfondo envidioso en la crítica mordaz del columnista.

An envious background is perceived in the columnist's scathing criticism.

Impersonal 'se' construction.

La envidiosa mediocridad suele aliarse contra el genio innovador.

Envious mediocrity usually allies against the innovative genius.

Adjective modifying an abstract noun 'mediocridad'.

No es sino un espíritu envidioso lo que subyace a sus constantes quejas.

It is nothing but an envious spirit that underlies his constant complaints.

Complex 'no es sino... lo que' structure.

Abominaba de todo lo que fuera envidioso, considerándolo la peor de las bajezas.

He loathed everything that was envious, considering it the worst of baseness.

Imperfect subjunctive 'fuera' and gerund 'considerándolo'.

Colocações comuns

ser envidioso

estar envidioso de

mirada envidiosa

gente envidiosa

un poco envidioso

comentario envidioso

niño envidioso

profundamente envidioso

sentirse envidioso

ataque envidioso

Frases Comuns

¡Qué envidioso eres!

— You are so envious/jealous! (Can be playful or serious).

¡Qué envidioso eres! Solo es un helado.

No seas envidioso.

— Don't be envious. A common piece of advice.

No seas envidioso con el coche de tu vecino.

El envidioso nunca es feliz.

— The envious person is never happy. A common moral saying.

Recuerda que el envidioso nunca es feliz con lo suyo.

Envidia sana.

— Healthy envy. Used to say you want what someone has but in a good way.

Siento envidia sana por tu viaje.

Muerto de envidia.

— Dying of envy. Used to express extreme envy.

Se quedó muerto de envidia al ver mi trofeo.

Verde de envidia.

— Green with envy. Same as in English.

Se puso verde de envidia cuando me vio con ella.

La envidia le corroe.

— Envy is eating him/her up. Describes extreme bitterness.

No le hagas caso, la envidia le corroe.

Por pura envidia.

— Out of pure envy.

Dijo eso por pura envidia.

Ser un envidioso de manual.

— To be a textbook envious person.

Tu primo es un envidioso de manual.

Ojos envidiosos.

— Envious eyes.

Me mira con ojos envidiosos.

Frequentemente confundido com

envidioso vs celoso

Celoso is for romantic jealousy; envidioso is for wanting things/success.

envidioso vs codicioso

Codicioso is more about greed for money/power, not just wanting what another has.

envidioso vs ambicioso

Ambicioso is positive (wanting to succeed); envidioso is negative (bitter about others).

Expressões idiomáticas

"Ponerse los dientes largos"

— To make someone envious (literally: to make one's teeth grow long).

Me estás poniendo los dientes largos con esas fotos de la playa.

informal

"Comerse de envidia"

— To be consumed by envy.

Se está comiendo de envidia porque aprobé el examen.

informal

"Tener envidia de la mala"

— To have 'bad' envy (as opposed to 'envidia sana').

Ese tiene envidia de la mala, ten cuidado.

informal

"Saltársele a uno los ojos de envidia"

— To have one's eyes pop out with envy.

Se le saltaron los ojos de envidia al ver mi casa nueva.

informal

"La envidia es muy mala"

— Envy is very bad. A common phrase used to dismiss critics.

Ya sabes que la envidia es muy mala, no le escuches.

neutral

"Estar que trina de envidia"

— To be fuming with envy.

Está que trina de envidia desde que me ascendieron.

informal

"Ser un envidioso de siete suelas"

— To be a thorough/complete envious person.

Ese hombre es un envidioso de siete suelas.

informal

"Morderse la lengua de envidia"

— To bite one's tongue out of envy (to keep from saying something mean).

Se mordía la lengua de envidia mientras me felicitaba.

neutral

"Reventar de envidia"

— To burst with envy.

Casi revienta de envidia cuando vio mi coche.

informal

"Tener el veneno de la envidia"

— To have the poison of envy.

Tiene el veneno de la envidia metido en el cuerpo.

literary/dramatic

Fácil de confundir

envidioso vs celoso

English uses 'jealous' for both concepts.

Envidioso = Envy (objects/success). Celoso = Jealousy (relationships).

Él está celoso de su novia, pero envidioso de mi coche.

envidioso vs codicioso

Both involve wanting more.

Envidioso is about comparison to others; codicioso is about pure greed.

El envidioso quiere tu casa; el codicioso quiere diez casas.

envidioso vs resentido

They often occur together.

Envidioso is the desire; resentido is the bitterness from not having it.

Es un envidioso resentido.

envidioso vs ambicioso

Both involve a desire for success.

Ambicioso is a drive to achieve; envidioso is a negative reaction to others' achievement.

Sé ambicioso, no envidioso.

envidioso vs mezquino

Both describe negative personality traits.

Mezquino refers to being small-minded or stingy, often fueled by envy.

Su rechazo fue un acto mezquino y envidioso.

Padrões de frases

[Name] es envidioso/a.

María es envidiosa.

No seas [adjective].

No seas envidioso.

Estar envidioso de [noun].

Estoy envidioso de tu casa.

Sentirse [adjective] al [verb].

Me siento envidioso al ver tu éxito.

Un/a [noun] [adjective] que [verb].

Una mirada envidiosa que lo dice todo.

Lo [adjective] de su [noun].

Lo envidioso de su carácter es evidente.

Ellos son [adjective].

Ellos son envidiosos.

Parecer un poco [adjective].

Pareces un poco envidioso hoy.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

envidia (envy)

envidiosillo (little envious person - diminutive)

Verbos

envidiar (to envy)

Adjetivos

envidiable (enviable)

envidiado (envied)

Relacionado

celos

codicia

avaricia

resentimiento

rivalidad

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Como usar

frequency

Very common in daily speech, literature, and media.

Erros comuns

Using 'celoso' for objects. → envidioso
You are 'envidioso' of a car, not 'celoso'. 'Celoso' is for romantic jealousy.
Saying 'Soy envidioso a...' → envidioso de
The correct preposition is always 'de'.
Maria es envidioso. → Maria es envidiosa.
Adjectives must agree in gender with the noun they modify.
Using 'estar' for a lifelong trait. → ser envidioso
Use 'ser' for permanent characteristics and 'estar' for temporary feelings.
Pronouncing 'v' like English 'v'. → Soft 'b' sound.
In Spanish, 'b' and 'v' represent the same sounds.

Dicas

Gender Agreement

Always match the ending to the subject: -o for male, -a for female. This is the most common mistake for English speakers.

Envidioso vs Celoso

Remember: Envy (envidioso) is for what you want. Jealousy (celoso) is for what you're afraid to lose.

Evil Eye

Be aware that in some cultures, being called 'envidioso' carries a superstition of bringing bad luck.

Preposition 'de'

Always use 'de' after the adjective to specify the object. 'Estoy envidioso DE tu éxito'.

Softening the Blow

Use 'un poco' (a little) to make the adjective 'envidioso' sound less like a harsh character judgment.

Video Envy

Associate 'en-VI-dioso' with 'Video'. You see a video of a friend's vacation and feel envious.

Soft 'V'

Pronounce the 'v' like a soft 'b' with your lips touching slightly. Don't use your teeth.

Literary Use

In stories, you can place 'envidioso' before the noun for more dramatic effect: 'Su envidiosa alma'.

Envidia Sana

Use this phrase to express admiration without causing offense.

Context Clues

If you hear 'envidioso' in a song, it's almost certainly referring to people who are hating on the singer's success.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of 'EN-VI-DI-OSO'. 'EN' (In) 'VID' (Video/Sight) 'OSO' (Bear). An envious bear watching a video of someone else's honey.

Associação visual

Imagine a green monster (envy is often green) looking through a window at a happy family.

Word Web

envidia celos ser estar de persona éxito dinero

Desafio

Try to describe three things you have 'envidia sana' for today using the word 'envidioso'.

Origem da palavra

Derived from the Latin 'invidiosus', which comes from 'invidia' (envy). This in turn comes from the verb 'invidere', meaning 'to look askance at' or 'to look upon with malice'.

Significado original: Looking with a malicious eye.

Romance (Latin root)

Contexto cultural

Calling someone 'envidioso' is a direct insult to their character. Use it carefully in social situations.

English speakers use 'jealous' more broadly than Spanish speakers use 'celoso'. You must learn to switch to 'envidioso' for objects.

The character of Iago in Shakespeare (translated into Spanish as a classic 'envidioso'). The 'pecados capitales' (seven deadly sins) in Catholic theology. The song 'Envidioso' by various urban artists like Ozuna or Bad Bunny.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Family/Siblings

Envidioso de su hermano
Pelea por envidia
No seas envidiosa
Celos y envidia

Workplace

Colega envidioso
Envidia profesional
Éxito ajeno
Ambiente envidioso

Social Media

Comentarios envidiosos
Envidia sana
Haters envidiosos
Postureo y envidia

Friendship

Amigo envidioso
No te pongas envidioso
Me das envidia
Sin envidias

Literature/Drama

Personaje envidioso
Mirada envidiosa
Corroído por la envidia
Trama de envidia

Iniciadores de conversa

"¿Crees que es natural ser un poco envidioso a veces?"

"¿Alguna vez has estado envidioso del éxito de un amigo?"

"¿Qué haces cuando alguien es envidioso contigo?"

"¿Existe realmente la 'envidia sana' o toda envidia es mala?"

"¿Es la sociedad moderna más envidiosa por culpa de las redes sociales?"

Temas para diário

Escribe sobre una vez que te sentiste envidioso de algo. ¿Cómo lo manejaste?

Describe a un personaje de un libro que sea muy envidioso.

¿Cuáles son las diferencias entre ser envidioso y ser ambicioso?

Reflexiona sobre cómo evitar ser una persona envidiosa en el día a día.

¿Cómo afecta la gente envidiosa a un equipo de trabajo?

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Only if you mean he wants your things or your success. If you mean he is protective/jealous of you with other men, use 'celoso'.

Usually, yes. However, among friends, '¡Qué envidioso!' can be a playful way of saying 'I want that too!' if the tone is light.

It translates to 'healthy envy'. It's a way to say 'I'm happy for you, but I wish I had that too' without any negative feelings.

Yes, it becomes 'envidiosas'. Agreement in gender and number is mandatory for adjectives in Spanish.

Yes, the verb is 'envidiar'. For example: 'Te envidio' (I envy you).

'Ser envidioso' is more common when describing a person's character, while 'estar envidioso de' is common for specific situations.

Yes, to describe toxic competition. However, it is quite informal and direct for a professional setting.

'Generoso' (generous) or 'desprendido' (selfless/unattached) are good opposites.

Yes, in a literary sense, like 'una mirada envidiosa' (an envious look). It usually describes people or their actions.

Use '¡Qué envidia me das!' or 'Tengo envidia sana'.

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