celos
SEH-lohs
/ˈse.los/
📝 In Action
Mi hermana tiene celos de mi nuevo trabajo.
B1My sister is jealous of my new job.
Los celos destruyeron su relación, fue muy triste.
B2Jealousy destroyed their relationship, it was very sad.
No le des celos a tu pareja, sé honesto.
B1Don't make your partner jealous, be honest.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Plural
Even though 'celos' means a single feeling (jealousy), it is always treated as a plural word in Spanish. This means you must use plural articles and adjectives (e.g., 'los celos', 'unos celos terribles').
Using 'Tener'
To say someone 'is jealous,' Spanish uses the verb 'tener' (to have). You say 'Tengo celos' (I have jealousy) instead of 'Soy celoso' (I am a jealous person).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the Singular
Mistake: “Siento celo.”
Correction: Siento celos. ('Celo' in singular means 'heat' or 'rut' for animals, not jealousy.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Related Adjective
The adjective form is 'celoso' (masculine) or 'celosa' (feminine). This describes the person who feels the jealousy.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: celos
Question 1 of 2
How do you correctly say 'She is jealous' in Spanish, using the common verb structure?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'celos' plural if it means a single emotion?
'Celos' is one of those Spanish words (like 'tijeras' for scissors or 'vacaciones' for vacation) that is always used in the plural form, even when referring to the singular concept of jealousy. Always use the plural article 'los'.
What is the difference between 'celos' and 'envidia'?
'Celos' (jealousy) is usually associated with the fear of losing something you already have (like a partner's affection). 'Envidia' (envy) is wishing you had something someone else possesses (like a talent or success).