sei glücklich
The German phrase for 'be happy' is sei glücklich.
This expression is used to wish someone a life of joy and contentment.
What does it mean word for word?
The word sei is the imperative form of the verb sein (to be), and glücklich means 'happy'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form sei glücklich uses the singular imperative, which is used when addressing one person informally. If you are wishing happiness to a group of people you know well, you must use the plural imperative seid glücklich. When addressing one person formally, the imperative form changes to Seien Sie glücklich.
Did you know?
- The word glücklich is closely related to the English word 'luck'. While 'luck' in English often implies a random stroke of fortune, in German, Glück is the root for both 'luck' and 'happiness'.
- Using the formal version, Seien Sie glücklich, in a modern setting like a cafe would make you sound like a character from a 19th-century novel.
- Because sei is an imperative, saying sei glücklich sounds less like a friendly wish and more like a philosophical command or a direct order.
Examples in context
- Sei glücklich für mich.Be happy for me.This sentence shows how to use sei glücklich to express being happy for someone else.Tatoeba #6643079 by Felixjp, translation #2044400 by CK
- Sei glücklich!Be happy!This is a simple use of the phrase as an exclamation.Tatoeba #1333510 by Esperantostern, translation #1333514 by Eldad
- Lächle und sei glücklich!Smile and be happy!This sentence combines the phrase with a command to smile.Tatoeba #5207166 by Adelpa, translation #5191416 by Adelpa
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Sarah are saying goodbye before Sarah moves to a new city.
- JulianAlles Gute in der neuen Stadt.All the best in the new city.
- SarahDanke, Julian. Ich werde dich vermissen.Thanks, Julian. I will miss you.
- JulianSei glücklich in deinem neuen Leben.Be happy in your new life.
- SarahDas werde ich versuchen. Danke.I will try. Thank you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries glücklich, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
