Portuguese Phrase
Tenho inveja do talento dela.
Meaning
Literally, ‘I have envy of her talent.’ It expresses that the speaker feels jealous of the skill or ability that another person possesses. In Portuguese the construction *ter inveja de* is the standard way to talk about envy, and it can be used both seriously and playfully.
When to use
Use this sentence when you notice someone’s exceptional ability—whether in music, sport, work, or any creative field—and you feel a pang of jealousy. It works in informal conversation with friends, but can also appear in more reflective, semi‑formal contexts such as a workplace meeting where you discuss personal development.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tenhoinvejadotalentodela
Tenho (ter)
First‑person singular present of the verb *ter* (to have). Used with feelings: *tenho medo*, *tenho vontade*.
inveja (noun)
A feminine noun meaning ‘envy’. Commonly paired with *ter* to express feeling envy of something or someone.
do (de + o)
Contraction of the preposition *de* (of) and the masculine definite article *o*. Here it links the noun *talento* to the possessive pronoun *dela*.
talento (noun)
Masculine noun meaning ‘talent, skill’. Takes the article *o* in the contraction *do*.
dela (de + ela)
Possessive pronoun meaning ‘her’. Used after *de* to indicate the owner of the talent.
🗨In Conversation
Você viu a apresentação da Ana?
Did you see Ana’s presentation?
Sim, tenho inveja do talento dela.
Yes, I’m envious of her talent.
✕Common Mistakes
Tem inveja do talento dela.
Use *tenho* (first‑person) not *tem* (third‑person).
Invejo o talento dela.
The verb *invejar* exists but is rarely used; the idiomatic construction is *ter inveja de*.
Tenho inveja da talento dela.
The article must agree with the gender of *talento* (masculine), so use *do* (de + o).
↔Alternatives
Sinto inveja do talento dela.
I feel envy of her talent.
Fico com inveja do talento dela.
I get jealous of her talent.
Admiro o talento dela, mas sinto inveja.
I admire her talent, but I feel envy.
Cultural Tip
In Brazilian Portuguese, *inveja* can sound strong, so speakers often soften it with *sinto* or *fico com* to keep the tone light. In Portugal the phrase is equally common, but people may prefer *tenho ciúmes do talento dela* in a more colloquial setting. Remember that expressing envy is socially acceptable when followed by a compliment, as it shows admiration while being honest about your feelings.