envidiar
“envidiar” means “to envy” in Spanish (feeling a desire for someone else's traits or possessions).
to envyAlso: to begrudge, to wish one had
📝 In Action
No deberías envidiar el éxito de los demás.
A2You shouldn't envy the success of others.
Todos envidian su capacidad para hablar cinco idiomas.
B1Everyone envies her ability to speak five languages.
Si fueras más feliz, no envidiarías tanto a tu vecino.
B2If you were happier, you wouldn't envy your neighbor so much.
Word Connections
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "envidiar" in Spanish:
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: envidiar
Question 1 of 3
How do you say 'I envy you' in Spanish?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family
📚 Etymology
From the Latin word 'invidere', which literally means 'to look against' or 'to look askance at' someone with a bad eye.
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 'envidiar' always negative?
Not necessarily. While it usually implies a bit of jealousy, adding 'sanamente' (healthily) makes it a compliment about something you admire in another person.
What's the difference between 'envidiar' and 'tener envidia'?
They mean the same thing. 'Envidiar' is the action (to envy), while 'tener envidia' is the state (to have envy). Both are very common.
Does this word require a special preposition?
Only the 'personal a' when you are envying a person (e.g., 'Envidio a mi hermano').