envidia
“envidia” means “envy” in Spanish (The desire for someone else's possessions or qualities).
envy, jealousy
Also: object of envy
📝 In Action
Siento mucha envidia por tu habilidad para hablar tres idiomas.
B1I feel a lot of envy for your ability to speak three languages.
Su nueva casa es la envidia del barrio.
B2Her new house is the envy of the neighborhood.
La envidia no te deja ser feliz.
A2Envy doesn't allow you to be happy.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: envidia
Question 1 of 2
Which phrase correctly describes feeling intense envy?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Latin term *invidia*, which literally meant 'to look upon with malice' or 'to look askance at.' It describes the feeling of ill will when seeing someone else's fortune.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'envidia' a good thing or a bad thing?
In Spanish, 'envidia' usually refers to the painful or negative emotion of wanting what others have. However, in some regions (like Spain), the phrase '¡Qué envidia!' is often used lightly, meaning 'I wish I were you!'
How do I use the verb form of 'envidia'?
The verb is 'envidiar' (to envy). You would say 'Yo envidio tu trabajo' (I envy your job).