How to Say Happy in Spanish
Learn how to say happy in Spanish. The main words are 'Feliz' (feh-LEES) and 'Contento/Contenta' (kon-TEN-to). When to use each, plus pronunciation and gender.
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Quick answer
To say happy in Spanish, use 'Feliz' (feh-LEES) for deep or lasting happiness, or 'Contento' (kon-TEN-to, masc.) / 'Contenta' (fem.) for being pleased or content in the moment. 'Feliz' does not change for gender, but 'contento/contenta' does.
Feliz
/feh-LEES/ — Spanish
How to Say Happy in Spanish
Spanish has two everyday words for “happy,” and choosing between them tells a Spanish speaker a lot. Feliz (feh-LEES) is for deep, lasting happiness, while Contento/Contenta (kon-TEN-to/-ta) is for being pleased or content in the moment.
The Two Main Words: Feliz and Contento
Feliz — pronounced feh-LEES
Used for fundamental, lasting happiness and in fixed greetings (Feliz cumpleaños, Feliz Navidad). It does not change for gender — only for number (plural felices).
Contento / Contenta — pronounced kon-TEN-to / kon-TEN-ta
Used for a temporary, current state — pleased, glad, satisfied right now. It does change for gender and number.
Copy the Phrase
The Spanish for happy is Feliz (feh-LEES).
All the Ways to Say Happy in Spanish
| Spanish | Pronunciation | Meaning / Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| Feliz | feh-LEES | Happy (deep, lasting) |
| Contento / Contenta | kon-TEN-to / -ta | Pleased, glad (right now) |
| Alegre | ah-LEH-greh | Cheerful, lively |
| Dichoso / Dichosa | dee-CHO-so / -sa | Blissful, fortunate (literary) |
| Encantado / Encantada | en-kan-TAH-do / -da | Delighted |
| Radiante | rrah-dee-AHN-teh | Radiant with joy |
| De buen humor | deh bwen oo-MOR | In a good mood |
Ser vs. Estar: A Key Distinction
Spanish has two verbs for “to be,” and which one you use shifts the meaning:
- Ser feliz — to be happy as a lasting trait or in life overall. Soy feliz (I’m a happy person / happy in life).
- Estar feliz / estar contento — to be happy right now, a passing state. Estoy contento (I’m glad right now).
Both Estoy feliz and Soy feliz are natural; the former stresses the moment, the latter your overall state.
Gender and Number Agreement
| Word | Masc. sing. | Fem. sing. | Masc. pl. | Fem. pl. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feliz | feliz | feliz | felices | felices |
| Contento | contento | contenta | contentos | contentas |
| Alegre | alegre | alegre | alegres | alegres |
Notice that feliz and alegre are gender-neutral, while contento must match the person’s gender.
Pronunciation Tips
- z and soft c: “s” in Latin America, soft “th” in Spain (feliz → fe-LEESS / fe-LEETH; felices → fe-LEE-ses).
- Stress: fe-LIZ, kon-TEN-to, a-LE-gre.
- The g before r in alegre is a hard “g.”
- Spanish vowels stay pure and short.
Cultural Notes
You’ll meet feliz constantly in celebrations: Feliz cumpleaños (happy birthday), Feliz Navidad (Merry Christmas), Feliz Año Nuevo (Happy New Year), and Feliz Día (have a nice day). To wish someone happiness, you can say Que seas muy feliz (may you be very happy) or Te deseo mucha felicidad (I wish you much happiness) — felicidad being the noun “happiness.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say happy in Spanish?
The two main words are 'Feliz' (feh-LEES) and 'Contento/Contenta' (kon-TEN-to / -ta). 'Feliz' is deeper, lasting happiness ('Soy feliz' — I am happy in life). 'Contento/Contenta' means pleased or content right now ('Estoy contento' — I'm happy/glad).
How do you pronounce Feliz?
'Feliz' is pronounced feh-LEES, with stress on the second syllable. The final 'z' is an 's' sound in Latin America and a soft 'th' in much of Spain (fe-LEESS or fe-LEETH). The plural is 'felices' (feh-LEE-ses).
What is the difference between Feliz and Contento?
'Feliz' usually pairs with 'ser' for lasting, fundamental happiness ('Soy feliz') and is used in set greetings like 'Feliz cumpleaños.' 'Contento/Contenta' pairs with 'estar' for a temporary, current state ('Estoy contento') — pleased, glad, satisfied right now. Both translate as 'happy' but differ in depth and duration.
Does Feliz change for gender?
No — 'Feliz' is the same for masculine and feminine (un niño feliz, una niña feliz); only the plural changes to 'felices.' By contrast, 'Contento' does change: contento (m.), contenta (f.), contentos (m. pl.), contentas (f. pl.). 'Alegre' (cheerful) is also gender-neutral.
How do you say I am happy in Spanish?
Say 'Soy feliz' (soy feh-LEES) for general, lasting happiness, or 'Estoy contento' (m.) / 'Estoy contenta' (f.) for being happy/glad right now. 'Estoy feliz' is also common and natural for present-moment happiness. 'Estoy muy feliz' means 'I'm very happy.'