I'm jealous
Use this if you are a woman. The ending must change to match your gender.
Literally 'I have jealousy'. A very common alternative to 'Estoy celoso/a'.
Use this when something or someone 'gives' you jealousy. It means 'It makes me jealous' or 'You make me jealous'.
For non-romantic situations. Use this when you want something someone else has (a new car, a vacation). It means 'I'm so envious!'
When you look at another girl, I get jealous.
I'm envious of your new job. Congratulations!
My friend is going to the beach and I'm not. I'm so envious!
You don't have to be jealous, he is just a friend.
The phrases 'estar celoso/a' and 'tener celos' are standard and universally understood across Latin America and Spain.
The pronunciation is the main difference. The 'ce' in 'celos' is pronounced with a 'th' sound (like 'think'), so it sounds like 'THEH-lohs'.
The standard Latin American pronunciation is used, where the 'ce' in 'celos' sounds like an 's': 'SEH-lohs'.
While the standard phrases are most common, you might hear 'Me da bronca' in a similar context, though it more broadly means 'It makes me angry/annoyed'.
Using the wrong gender. Remember to say 'Estoy celosa' if you are female, and 'Estoy celoso' if you are male. The adjective must match your gender.
Confusing 'celos' and 'envidia'. 'Celos' is for romantic or relational jealousy (fear of losing someone). 'Envidia' is for envy (wanting what someone else has, like a new car or a promotion).
Using 'ser' instead of 'estar'. Saying 'Soy celoso' means 'I am a jealous person' (a personality trait). 'Estoy celoso' means 'I am feeling jealous right now' (a temporary state). For A2, focus on 'estar'.
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