sé feliz
/se feliθ/from spelling rules
To say "be happy" in Spanish, use sé feliz.
This phrase is used as a wish or a command to tell someone to experience happiness in their life.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative form of ser (to be, referring to an essential state) and the adjective feliz (happy).
How does it change in a sentence?
The form sé feliz uses the imperative mood of the verb ser for the informal tú. When addressing a group of people, use the plural form sean felices.
How do you pronounce it?
/se feliθ/
Did you know?
- In some contexts, the phrase sé feliz can be used ironically or sarcastically in Spanish arguments, similar to how an English speaker might say 'have a nice life' during a fight.
- The word feliz is also used in Spanish to mean 'lucky', so saying 'soy feliz' can sometimes imply 'I am fortunate' depending on the context.
- While sé feliz is a heartfelt wish, Spanish speakers often use the phrase que seas feliz to make it sound less like a command and more like a sincere hope for the future.
Examples in context
- ¡Anda y sé feliz!Go and be happy!This sentence shows how to use sé feliz in an imperative command.Tatoeba #1697972 by marcelostockle, translation #2747968 by catcher
- Sonríe y sé feliz.Smile and be happy.This sentence provides an example of combining an instruction to smile with sé feliz.Tatoeba #11378700 by Shishir, translation #7562844 by Hybrid
- ¡Sé feliz y sonríe!Be happy and smile!This sentence shows an alternative word order using sé feliz.Tatoeba #7971931 by Seael, translation #5211411 by Adelpa
- Te deseamos una vida llena de amor, éxito y felicidad. Sé feliz siempre.We wish you a life filled with love, success, and happiness. Be happy always.
- En tu nuevo camino, que seas feliz y encuentres la paz que deseas.In your new journey, may you be happy and find the peace you desire.
- ¡Sé feliz y disfruta de cada momento que la vida te regala!Be happy and enjoy every moment that life gives you!
- ¡Que seas feliz en tu nuevo trabajo, amiga!Be happy in your new job, my friend!
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena is giving Daniel some advice before he leaves for a new job.
- ElenaTe mereces lo mejor en tu nueva etapa.You deserve the best in your new stage.
- DanielMuchas gracias, Elena, lo intentaré.Thank you very much, Elena, I will try.
- ElenaSolo quiero que seas tú mismo y sé feliz.I just want you to be yourself and be happy.
- DanielEso es lo que haré, gracias por tus palabras.That is what I will do, thanks for your words.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
