jaloux
/ʒa.lu/
The English word jealous is translated into French as jaloux. Wiktionary also lists envieux.
Meaning: envious, feeling resentful of someone for a perceived advantage, material or otherwise (adj)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| jaloux | /ʒa.lu/ |
| envieux |
The adjective is used to describe someone who is envious or feeling resentful of someone for a perceived advantage, material or otherwise. When expressing that someone is jealous of something or someone, use the preposition de, such as in the phrase jaloux de.
Which one should you use?
While jaloux can mean both jealous and envious, envieux is more strictly used for the feeling of envy regarding someone's success or possessions.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine singular is jaloux, which is also the form used for the masculine plural. For a feminine subject, use the singular jalouse or the plural jalouses.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʒa.lu/
Did you know?
- The word jaloux shares the same root as the English word 'zeal'. In Ancient Greek, ζῆλος could refer to both a passionate drive and a resentful jealousy.
- In French, envie is the root of envieux, but avoir envie de is the common way to say 'I want' or 'I feel like' without any negative resentment.
- The adjective jaloux can be used to describe a 'jealous' guardian or a 'jealous' protector of a tradition, meaning they are strictly vigilant.
Examples in context
- Tu as été jaloux.You were jealous.This sentence shows how to use the masculine form jaloux in the past tense.Tatoeba #2078144 by Amastan, translation #2255271 by CK
- Tom est-il jaloux ?Is Tom jealous?This sentence uses jaloux to ask a question about someone's state.Tatoeba #3661768 by THURET, translation #2244614 by CK
- Tu vas être jaloux.You're going to be jealous.This sentence demonstrates the use of jaloux when describing a future state.Tatoeba #7889162 by Aiji, translation #2917380 by AlanF_US
- Je suis envieuse de son succèsI am jealous of his/her success
- Il est jaloux de leur relationHe is jealous of their relationship
- Il est vert de jalousieHe is green with jealousy
- Elle est rongée par la jalousieShe is eaten away by jealousy
- Elle est envieuse de sa promotionShe is jealous of his/her promotion
- On est tous verts de jalousie !We're all green with jealousy!
- 147 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Lucas are talking about a friend's new car.
- ChloéRegarde sa nouvelle voiture !Look at his new car!
- LucasJe suis jaloux, elle est magnifique.I'm jealous, it is magnificent.
- ChloéTu ne devrais pas être jaloux.You shouldn't be jealous.
- LucasC'est difficile de ne pas l'être.It is hard not to be.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “jealous” translations and entries jaloux, envieux, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries envieux, jaloux, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
