seja feliz
The English phrase "be happy" can be translated into Portuguese as seja feliz.
seja feliz is used to express the message "be happy" as a command or a wish.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of seja, which is the third-person singular present subjunctive form of the verb ser (to be) and feliz, which means happy.
Which one should you use?
While seja feliz is used to command or wish someone happiness, the phrase é feliz is used to make a statement of fact, such as saying someone is happy.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form seja feliz is used when addressing one person (você). To tell a group of people to be happy, you would use sejam felizes.
Did you know?
- The word feliz shares an ancient root with the English word 'suckling', stemming from a Proto-Indo-European concept of being 'nourished' or 'well-fed'.
- While seja feliz is a common wish, in many Portuguese-speaking cultures, simply saying seja feliz to a person can feel like a profound blessing rather than a casual command.
- The adjective feliz is cognate with the Latin 'felix', which also means 'lucky' or 'fruitful', meaning that to be happy in Portuguese carries a sense of being fortunate.
Examples in context
- Sorria e seja feliz!Smile and be happy!This sentence uses seja feliz to encourage someone to smile and be happy.Tatoeba #5192718 by alexmarcelo, translation #5191416 by Adelpa
- Não se case. Seja feliz!Don't marry. Be happy!This sentence uses seja feliz as an instruction to be happy instead of marrying.Tatoeba #913250 by alexmarcelo, translation #809539 by Esperantostern
- Talvez ele não seja feliz.He may not be happy.This sentence uses seja feliz to express the possibility that someone may not be happy.Tatoeba #1291513 by alexmarcelo, translation #296295 by CK
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Camila is moving to a new city and Rodrigo is seeing her off.
- RodrigoBoa sorte na sua nova jornada, Camila.Good luck on your new journey, Camila.
- CamilaObrigada, Rodrigo. Estou muito animada.Thank you, Rodrigo. I am very excited.
- RodrigoLembre-se de aproveitar cada momento e seja feliz.Remember to enjoy every moment and be happy.
- CamilaEu vou tentar, pode deixar!I will try, don't worry!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries feliz, seja, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
