Celoso vs. envidioso
The Spanish words 'celoso' and 'envidioso' are often confused because they both relate to feelings of desire for something that someone else has. However, each word describes a different kind of feeling or situation.
Celoso
'Celoso' means jealous and it is used when someone is afraid of losing something or someone they already have, usually in the context of relationships.
Está celoso porque su novia habló con otro chico.
(He is jealous because his girlfriend talked to another guy.)
Los niños se ponen celosos cuando sus padres prestan más atención a uno que a otro.
(The children get jealous when their parents pay more attention to one than to the other.)
Ella se puso celosa al ver a su esposo con otra mujer.
(She got jealous seeing her husband with another woman.)
Envidioso
'Envidioso' means envious and it is used when someone wants what another person has, such as possessions, qualities, or achievements.
Está envidioso del éxito de su compañero de trabajo.
(He is envious of his coworker's success.)
No seas envidioso de la fortuna de los demás.
(Don't be envious of others' wealth.)
Ella siempre ha sido envidiosa de su prima por su talento para cantar.
(She has always been envious of her cousin's talent for singing.)
Summary
In summary, 'celoso' is feeling protective or fearful about losing someone's affection or priority, typically in romantic relationships. 'Envidioso', on the other hand, refers to wishing you had something that someone else possesses.