Spanish Phrase
Su éxito me dio envidia.
Meaning
This phrase literally translates to 'His/her success gave me envy.' It is a common way to express that someone else's achievements triggered a feeling of jealousy or envy within you.
When to use
Use this phrase in personal or informal conversations when reflecting on your reaction to someone else's good fortune. It is often used in a self-reflective or candid manner.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Suéxitomedioenvidia
Su (Possessive)
This possessive adjective can mean his, her, its, your (formal), or their depending on the context.
Dar + Emotion
Spanish often uses the verb 'dar' (to give) to describe things that cause an emotional reaction in someone.
Preterite Tense
'Dio' is the third-person singular preterite (past tense) of 'dar', used here for a specific completed feeling.
🗨In Conversation
¿Supiste que Marta ganó la lotería?
Did you hear that Marta won the lottery?
Sí, su éxito me dio envidia.
Yes, her success made me envious.
✕Common Mistakes
Su éxito fue envidia.
In Spanish, emotions like envy are often 'given' (dar) rather than 'being' (ser).
Su éxito dio me envidia.
Object pronouns like 'me' must come before the conjugated verb in this context.
↔Alternatives
Sentí envidia por su éxito.
I felt envy because of his/her success.
Me dio envidia sana.
I felt a 'healthy' envy (admiring but wanting the same).
Cultural Tip
In Spanish-speaking cultures, the phrase 'envidia sana' (healthy envy) is frequently used to clarify that you aren't bitter about someone's success, but rather motivated or inspired by it. Using just 'envidia' can sometimes sound slightly more negative or resentful depending on your tone.