Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “jealous” in Dutch! Jealousy is an emotion that everybody experiences at some point in their lives. Whether you want to express your jealousy or simply expand your vocabulary, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we will explore formal and informal ways to say “jealous” in Dutch, providing numerous tips, examples, and even regional variations. So, let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Jealous” in Dutch
When it comes to formal situations, Dutch offers various phrases that accurately convey the feeling of jealousy. These expressions can be used in professional settings, official conversations, or while conversing with individuals older than you.
Zeer jaloers: This phrase translates to “very jealous” and is commonly used in formal contexts. It effectively portrays a high level of envy when used appropriately.
Envy: An alternative way to express “jealousy” is to use the English loanword “envy.” Although not a strictly Dutch term, it is widely understood and accepted in formal conversations.
These formal phrases can be easily incorporated into your speech, allowing you to communicate your feelings of jealousy while maintaining a sophisticated tone.
Informal Ways to Say “Jealous” in Dutch
Informal situations require a different approach to expressing jealousy. Dutch has a rich collection of colloquial phrases and idioms that are perfect for informal conversations with friends, family, or casual acquaintances.
- Achter de ellebogen zijn: This expression translates to “to be behind the elbows” and is used to describe someone who is secretly envious. It suggests that their jealousy is concealed beneath a facade.
- In de aap gelogeerd zijn: Literally meaning “to be lodged in the monkey,” this idiom is used to express a feeling of being jealous or envious of someone’s favorable situation.
- Stikjaloers: A more emphatic way to say “jealous” informally is by using the term “stikjaloers,” which translates to “choke jealous.”
By incorporating these informal phrases into your conversations, you can effectively convey your emotions of jealousy in a casual and relatable manner.
Examples of Usage
To demonstrate the usage of these phrases, let’s explore some practical examples:
Formal Example:
Peter: Ik ben zeer jaloers op jouw succesvolle carrière.
(Translation: Peter: I am very jealous of your successful career.)
Informal Example:
Lisa: Ik ben echt achter de ellebogen op Marloes. Ze doet net alsof ze blij voor me is, maar ik weet dat ze stiekem jaloers is.
(Translation: Lisa: I am really behind the elbows with Marloes. She acts like she’s happy for me, but I know she’s secretly jealous.)
These examples demonstrate how these phrases can be naturally woven into conversations, enabling you to express your jealousy effectively.
Regional Variations
While Dutch is primarily spoken in the Netherlands, there are regional variations that might influence the way “jealous” is expressed. However, these differences are primarily dialectal and not essential for everyday communication. Therefore, we will focus on the standard Dutch variations that are universally understood.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve now learned how to say “jealous” in Dutch in both formal and informal contexts. By incorporating these phrases into your conversations, you can effectively express your feelings of envy and relate to others more authentically. Whether you find yourself in a formal setting or engaging in informal banter, remember that language is a tool for connecting with others and understanding their emotions. So go ahead and use these phrases confidently to express your jealousy in Dutch!
