oson
The Chamorro word for jealous is oson.
oson is an adjective used to describe someone who is envious or feeling resentful of another person due to a perceived advantage, whether that advantage is material or otherwise.
Meaning: envious, feeling resentful of someone for a perceived advantage, material or otherwise (adj)
Did you know?
- A person described as oson might be perceived not just as feeling bad, but as someone who is actively disrupting the social balance of a group.
- The way one expresses being oson can be heavily influenced by the traditional Chamorro value of 'ina'fa' ma'åse' or communal respect.
- While English uses 'jealous' for both love and envy, Chamorro speakers often use different nuanced terms to distinguish between romantic jealousy and social envy.
Examples in context
- Oson i hila' i titi.They are jealous of the car.
Example conversation
Theresa and Luis are talking about a friend's new car.
- TheresaLuis, oson yan i kalleha-mu?Luis, is your sibling jealous?
- LuisHåga, oson yan i kalleha-ku.Yes, my sibling is jealous.
- TheresaNa'oson yan i kalleha-mu yan i kachao.Your sibling is jealous of the noise.
- LuisHåga, na'oson yan i kalleha-ku.Yes, my sibling is jealous.
