me das celos
/me das θelos/from spelling rules
The English phrase "you make me jealous" is translated into Spanish as me das celos.
Me das celos is a phrase used to tell someone that their success or possessions make you wish you had them too. In many Spanish-speaking contexts, it can be used playfully to express envy of someone's good fortune, but it can also imply romantic jealousy depending on the context.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, me das celos translates to "you give me jealousy".
Which one should you use?
While me das celos is common, the term envidia is actually the more precise word for the specific feeling of wanting someone else's success or possessions. For example, you might say me das envidia to say "you make me envious". Additionally, Me pones celoso/a is another way to express that you are being made jealous.
How does it change in a sentence?
While celos is often used for romantic jealousy, envidia is the more precise term for the specific feeling of wanting someone else's success or possessions. For example, you can say me das envidia to mean "you make me envious".
How do you pronounce it?
/me das θelos/
Did you know?
- The root of celos comes from the Greek word zeîn, which means 'to boil'. It suggests that jealousy is a feeling of boiling over with passion or anger.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, telling a friend me das envidia is actually a common way to show genuine admiration for their good fortune.
- Because celos can imply romantic possessiveness, using it in the wrong context might accidentally suggest you are accusing someone of infidelity.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a recent vacation.
- JavierElena, pasé una semana increíble en la playa.Elena, I spent an incredible week at the beach.
- Elena¡Qué envidia! Me das celos, Javier.How envious! You make me jealous, Javier.
- JavierDeberías venir conmigo la próxima vez.You should come with me next time.
- ElenaMe encantaría ir contigo.I would love to go with you.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries celos, me, CC BY-SA 4.0.
