celos
/ˈθelos/
Jealousy in Spanish is celos.
celos is a noun used to describe the resentment or suspicion felt in a relationship. To express that someone is feeling jealous, Spanish speakers typically use the verb tener (to have) rather than ser (to be), resulting in the phrase tener celos.
Meaning: a resentment towards someone for a perceived advantage or superiority they hold (noun)
Which one should you use?
While celos refers to the resentment or suspicion often found in relationships, the word envidia is used to describe envy, which is the desire to possess what someone else has.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the phrase estar ardido/a is used to describe someone who is envious or resentful due to another person's success or achievements.
How does it change in a sentence?
The Spanish word for jealousy is a plural noun and is almost always used in its plural form. If you need to use the adjective form, use celoso for a masculine subject and celosa for a feminine subject.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈθelos/
Did you know?
- The word celos shares an ancient ancestor with the English word 'zeal', which describes an intense enthusiasm or passion rather than a negative feeling.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, celos are sometimes viewed as a sign of love and protection rather than purely as a negative trait.
- While celos is the noun for jealousy, the related verb celar can mean 'to watch over' or 'to guard' something carefully.
Examples in context
- No existe el amor sin celos.There's no love without jealousy.This sentence illustrates that love and jealousy are linked.Tatoeba #1581064 by termito2nd, translation #2371 by AucaCoyan
- Sus celos ya se han descontrolado.His jealousy is now out of control.This sentence describes jealousy that has become uncontrollable.Tatoeba #10569226 by Seael, translation #10569218 by felidad
- Los celos son enemigos de la amistad.Jealousy is an enemy to friendship.This sentence shows how jealousy can affect friendships.Tatoeba #865298 by Rafp, translation #268183 by H_Liliom
- Siento envidia de tu éxitoI feel jealous of your success
- Tengo celos de su talentoI'm jealous of their talent
- Me da envidia tu nuevo autoI'm jealous of your new car
- No seas envidiosoDon't be jealous
- Jaja, no seas envidiosa. Tú también tienes talento.Haha, don't be jealous. You have talent too.
- Tranquilo, ella es solo tu amiga. No tienes por qué ponerte verde de envidia.Relax, she's just your friend. There's no need to turn green with envy.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and María are discussing their friend's new luxury car.
- DanielMira qué coche tan increíble tiene Juan.Look what an incredible car Juan has.
- MaríaNo sientas celos por su éxito.Don't feel jealousy over his success.
- DanielNo es eso, solo me sorprende.It's not that, I'm just surprised.
- MaríaMe alegra que no haya celos aquí.I'm glad there is no jealousy here.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry celos, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries celos, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
