Spanish word

envidiar

Pronunciation

IPA/embiˈðjaɾ/

Meaning

  • verbenvy

Example

No debes envidiar a nadie.

You should not envy anybody.

Illustration for envidiar (envy)

More examples

A veces envidio el éxito de otros, pero intento aprender de ellos.

Sometimes I envy others' success, but I try to learn from them.

Core concept

Desiring another person's possessions or success.

Common phrases

  • envidiar a alguien

    envy someone

  • envidiar algo

    envy something

Similar words

desear: Strongly wish to obtain a thing or to reach a specific state.
querer: Want something or someone; express a basic, general desire.
codiciar: Covet another person's belongings intensely, driven by longing or greed.

Definition in Spanish

Sentir deseo por lo que otra persona posee o ha conseguido.

Word origin

From Latin invidia, from in- 'against' + videre 'to see', originally meaning to look on someone with ill will and later to want what they have.

Usage tips

  • Use a before a person as in envidiar a alguien, while things take a direct object with no preposition.

Other meanings

  • be jealous ofverb
  • begrudgeverb

Opposites

  • admiraradmireverb
  • alegrarsebe happy forverb

Related words

Word lists with this word