Spanish Phrase
¿Les tienes envidia?
Meaning
This phrase is used to ask if someone is feeling envy or jealousy toward a group of people. In Spanish, emotions like envy are often expressed as something you 'have' (tener) rather than something you 'are'.
When to use
Use this in casual conversations with friends or family when someone seems to be reacting strongly to another group's success or new possessions. It can be a serious inquiry or a lighthearted tease.
✦Grammar Breakdown
¿Lestienesenvidia?
Les
The indirect object pronoun representing 'to them' or 'of them'.
Tienes
The second-person singular of 'tener' (to have). Spanish uses 'to have' for many physical and emotional states.
Envidia
The noun for envy. Unlike English which uses the adjective 'envious', Spanish typically uses this noun form with a verb.
🗨In Conversation
Mira el coche nuevo que se compraron los vecinos.
Look at the new car the neighbors bought.
¿Les tienes envidia?
Are you envious of them?
✕Common Mistakes
¿Eres envidia de ellos?
Avoid using the verb 'ser' (to be) for envy; Spanish uses 'tener' (to have).
¿Los tienes envidia?
Use the indirect object pronoun 'les' because the envy is directed toward them.
↔Alternatives
¿Tienes celos?
Are you jealous?
¿Te dan envidia?
Do they make you feel envious?
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the phrase 'envidia de la buena' (good envy) is used to show you admire someone's success without any ill will. Be mindful of your tone, as asking this directly can sometimes be perceived as confrontational.