Portuguese Phrase
Você tem inveja deles?
Meaning
This phrase translates to 'Are you jealous of them?' and specifically uses the noun 'inveja' (envy). In Portuguese, feelings are often expressed as something you 'have' (ter) rather than something you 'are'.
When to use
Use this phrase in casual or intimate conversations when asking about someone's feelings toward another group's success or possessions. It is a direct question that should be used carefully depending on the social context.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Vocêteminvejadeles
Ter (tem)
The verb 'ter' is used here in the third person singular to indicate possessing a feeling.
Deles
This is a mandatory contraction of the preposition 'de' (of) and the pronoun 'eles' (them).
🗨In Conversation
Eles compraram uma casa enorme na praia.
They bought a huge house at the beach.
Você tem inveja deles?
Are you jealous of them?
✕Common Mistakes
Você é inveja deles?
Avoid using 'ser' (to be) with 'inveja'. In Portuguese, you 'have' envy, not 'are' envy.
Você tem inveja por eles?
The correct preposition to use with 'inveja' is 'de', which contracts with 'eles' to become 'deles'.
↔Alternatives
Você está com inveja deles?
Are you feeling jealous of them?
Você sente inveja deles?
Do you feel envy for them?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, the term 'inveja branca' was historically used to describe 'harmless' envy, but it is now considered problematic and racially insensitive. It is better to use 'admiração' (admiration) if you want to express a positive feeling toward someone's success.