Inklingo
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celoso

/seh-LOH-soh/

jealous

A small green monster looking suspiciously and sadly at two happy, cartoonish characters holding hands, illustrating jealousy.

When someone is celoso, they might feel jealous or envious of others.

celoso(adjective)

mB1

jealous

?

feeling envy or suspicion regarding a relationship

Also:

envious

?

wanting something someone else has

📝 In Action

Mi hermana estaba celosa de mis buenas notas en el examen.

A2

My sister was jealous of my good grades on the exam.

No puedo evitar ser celoso cuando mi novia habla con otros chicos.

B1

I can't help being jealous when my girlfriend talks to other guys.

El perro es muy celoso con su juguete favorito.

B1

The dog is very protective (jealous) of its favorite toy.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • envidioso (envious)
  • posesivo (possessive)

Antonyms

  • confiado (trusting)

Common Collocations

  • estar celoso de – to be jealous of
  • ser celoso con – to be jealous about/with

💡 Grammar Points

Gender and Number

As an adjective, 'celoso' must match the person or thing it describes: 'celoso' (masculine singular), 'celosa' (feminine singular), 'celosos' (masculine plural), and 'celosas' (feminine plural).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using 'ser' vs. 'estar'

Mistake: "Using 'Soy celoso' (I am a jealous person, a permanent trait) when you mean 'I feel jealous right now.'"

Correction: Use 'Estoy celoso' (I am feeling jealous) for temporary feelings, and 'Soy celoso' if you consider jealousy a part of your personality.

⭐ Usage Tips

Using 'de'

When expressing what someone is jealous of, always use the preposition 'de': 'Estoy celoso de tu éxito' (I am jealous of your success).

A cheerful, energetic cartoon character jumping excitedly while holding a small, bright red banner, surrounded by visual sparks of enthusiasm.

The word celoso can also mean zealous, describing someone who is highly energetic and enthusiastic about a cause.

celoso(adjective)

mC1

zealous

?

showing great energy or enthusiasm for a cause

Also:

vigilant

?

watchful or careful in the execution of duty

📝 In Action

Es un celoso guardián de la ley y el orden.

C1

He is a zealous/vigilant guardian of law and order.

El comité fue celoso en la protección de los fondos.

C2

The committee was vigilant in the protection of the funds.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • diligente (diligent)
  • apasionado (passionate)

Antonyms

  • negligente (negligent)

💡 Grammar Points

Formal Context

This meaning is almost always used when describing someone's dedication to a job, duty, or belief, rather than a personal relationship.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: celoso

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'celoso' in its formal meaning of 'zealous' or 'vigilant'?

📚 More Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'celoso' and 'envidioso'?

Both relate to wanting what others have, but 'celoso' (jealous) often involves suspicion or fear of losing something you already possess (like a partner or status). 'Envidioso' (envious) is simpler: it means you want something someone else has (like money or a big house).

How do I make 'celoso' feminine?

You simply change the final 'o' to an 'a' to match a female person or feminine noun: 'celosa'.