alegria
/a.leˈɡɾi.ɐ/
alegria is the Portuguese word for happiness or joy.
alegria expresses a feeling of great happiness or joy. You can use the phrase dar alegria to describe the act of making someone feel happy or bringing them joy. To describe someone who is visibly happy, you might use the phrase andar alegremente (to walk joyfully) or to describe joyful celebrations and festivities, you can use comemorar alegremente (to celebrate joyfully). Additionally, the idiom estar nas nuvens literally means to be in the clouds and is used to express extreme happiness or bliss.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form alegrias can be used to refer to multiple happy events or sources of joy in one's life.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables with the stress on the 3rd syllable: /a.leˈɡɾi.ɐ/.
Did you know?
- In some contexts, particularly in older literature or regional dialects, alegria can refer to a lively social gathering or a party rather than the emotion itself.
- In Brazil, the word alegria is often linked to the spirit of Carnival, where it describes not just a personal feeling but a collective, explosive energy and public celebration.
- The word alegria was inherited from Old Galician-Portuguese, forming a linguistic bridge between the early history of the Portuguese and Galician languages.
Examples in context
- A diretora expressou seu júbilo e satisfação com o sucesso da empresa.The director expressed her joy and satisfaction with the company's success.
- A festa de aniversário foi um sucesso! Estamos todos cheios de alegria!The birthday party was a success! We are all filled with joy!
- Sinto muita alegria em te ver.I feel great joy in seeing you.
- A notícia trouxe muita alegria para a família.The news brought much joy to the family.
- O rosto dela transparecia alegria.Her face radiated joy.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Mariana are celebrating a recent promotion.
- GabrielMariana, sua conquista é uma alegria para todos nós!Mariana, your achievement is a joy to all of us!
- MarianaObrigada, Gabriel! Estou muito feliz.Thank you, Gabriel! I am very happy.
- GabrielSua alegria é contagiante.Your joy is contagious.
- MarianaÉ difícil não sentir alegria agora.It is hard not to feel joy right now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry alegria, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alegria, CC BY-SA 4.0.
