How to Say “Jealous of” in Spanish: A Comprehensive Guide

Greetings! If you’re looking to express the feeling of jealousy in Spanish, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we will explore how to say “jealous of” in both formal and informal contexts. We’ll provide tips, examples, and even touch on regional variations when necessary. So, let’s dive in and enhance your Spanish vocabulary!

Formal Ways to Say “Jealous Of” in Spanish

When speaking formally, it’s important to use the appropriate language to convey respect and professionalism. Here are a few ways to say “jealous of” in formal Spanish:

1. Envidioso/a de – This is a straightforward and commonly used expression. For example, “Estoy envidiosa de su éxito” means “I am jealous of their success.”
2. Celoso/a de – This term is commonly used in formal settings to express jealousy. For instance, “Ella está celosa de su amiga” means “She is jealous of her friend.”
3. Con envidia de – Another way to express jealousy formally is by using this phrase. For example, “El equipo contrario miraba con envidia de su victoria” translates to “The opposing team looked with envy at their victory.”

Informal Ways to Say “Jealous Of” in Spanish

When speaking informally or with friends, you can use slightly more casual expressions to convey your feelings of jealousy. Here are a few informal ways to say “jealous of” in Spanish:

1. Envidioso/a de – Similar to its use in formal settings, “envidioso/a de” is commonly used to express jealousy in informal conversations. For instance, “Estoy envidioso/a de su nuevo auto” means “I’m jealous of their new car.”
2. Chiflado/a por – This more colloquial expression is often used informally among friends. For example, “Estoy chiflado por sus vacaciones” translates to “I am jealous of their vacation.”
3. Tengo envidia sana/sana envidia de – This phrase is a popular informal way to express envy. It emphasizes a “healthy” jealousy, often used humorously. For instance, “Tengo sana envidia de tu nuevo trabajo” means “I have healthy envy of your new job.”

Regional Variations in Saying “Jealous Of” in Spanish

Spanish is spoken across various countries, each with its own linguistic nuances. While the above expressions are widely understood throughout the Spanish-speaking world, it’s important to note some regional variations:

• In Argentina and Uruguay, the phrase “tener envidia de” is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. For example, “Tengo envidia de tu talento” means “I am jealous of your talent.”
• In Mexico and some Central American countries, the phrase “estar embijado/a” is a popular informal expression for expressing jealousy. For instance, “Estoy embijado por su nuevo celular” translates to “I am jealous of their new cell phone.”

Tips for Expressing Jealousy in Spanish

Now that we’ve covered various ways to say “jealous of” in Spanish, here are some additional tips to enhance your language skills:

Use adjectives correctly: Remember to match the adjective (envidioso/a, celoso/a, sana, embijado/a) to the gender and number of the person or thing you are jealous of.

For example:

“Estoy celosa de su amiga” for a female expressing jealousy, or “Estoy celoso de su amigo” for a male.

“Tengo sana envidia de tus logros” for expressing healthy jealousy of someone’s achievements.

“Estoy embijada por su nueva casa” to convey informal jealousy of someone’s new house.

Context is key: Consider the relationship you have with the person you are speaking to when choosing the appropriate expression. Formal situations call for more respectful language, while informal settings allow for a greater range of expressions.

Practice and immerse yourself: To truly master the language, engage with native speakers, watch Spanish-speaking shows or movies, and strive to incorporate common expressions in your everyday conversations.

Examples of “Jealous Of” in Spanish

Let’s now explore some practical examples to solidify your understanding of how to say “jealous of” in Spanish:

1. Formal Examples:
   • “Estoy envidiosa de su inteligencia” – I am jealous of their intelligence.
   • “Él está celoso de su promoción” – He is jealous of her promotion.
   • “El equipo contrario miraba con envidia de su credibilidad” – The opposing team looked with envy at their credibility.
2. Informal Examples:
   • “Estoy envidioso/a de su nuevo apartamento” – I am jealous of their new apartment.
   • “Estoy chiflado/a por su coche deportivo” – I am jealous of their sports car.
   • “Tengo sana envidia de tus habilidades musicales” – I have healthy envy of their musical skills.

In Conclusion

Congratulations! You now have a comprehensive understanding of how to express “jealous of” in Spanish. Remember to adapt your language to the appropriate level of formality and familiarize yourself with regional variations. With practice and immersion, you’ll become more confident in using these expressions. Happy language learning!