Inklingo

How to Say "envious" in Spanish

The Spanish word forenviousis celosoB1 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.

English → SpanishB1

celoso

adjectiveB1
wanting something someone else has
A small green monster looking suspiciously and sadly at two happy, cartoonish characters holding hands, illustrating jealousy.

Examples

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

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

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

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

El perro es muy celoso con su juguete favorito.

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

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).

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.

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