encantado
/enkanˈtado/
The English word enchanted is translated into Spanish as encantado.
The word is used to describe someone or something under the influence of enchantment. However, it is also very frequently used in social contexts to mean 'delighted' or 'pleased'.
Meaning: under the influence of enchantment (adj)
Which one should you use?
While encantado can mean 'enchanted' in a magical sense, it is very frequently used in social contexts to mean 'delighted' or 'pleased'.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, the form must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use encantada for feminine nouns, encantados for masculine plural nouns and encantadas for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/enkanˈtado/
When do people say it?
When used as a formulaic response to a greeting or introduction, encantado (masculine) or encantada (feminine) means 'pleased to meet you'.
Did you know?
- In some Latin American countries, saying estoy encantado does not just mean you are pleased, but that you are completely smitten or deeply in love with someone.
- The Spanish word encanto functions as both a literal magical spell and a common term for the lovely qualities or charm of a person or place.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, simply saying encantado while making eye contact and offering a slight nod is a complete and polite social formula. It functions as a standalone greeting equivalent to 'it is a pleasure'.
Examples in context
- ¿Cómo es posible que un ser con joyas tan sensibles como los ojos, esos instrumentos musicales encantados como los oídos, y tal arabesco fabuloso de los nervios como el cerebro puede experimentar en sí mismo nada menos que un dios?How is it possible that a being with such sensitive jewels as the eyes, such enchanted musical instruments as the ears, and such fabulous arabesque of nerves as the brain can experience itself anything less than a god?This sentence illustrates the use of encantado to describe musical instruments that are enchanted.Tatoeba #3529809 by carlosalberto, translation #3529788 by carlosalberto
- Encantado/a de conocerlo/aEnchanted to meet you
- Embelesado/a por su bellezaEnchanted by his/her beauty
- ¡Encantado/a de conocerte!Enchanted to meet you!
- El bosque parecía un lugar encantado.The forest looked like an enchanted place.
- Ese objeto encantado brilla en la oscuridad.That enchanted object glows in the dark.
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are looking at an old book in a museum.
- Elena¿Crees que este libro es un objeto encantado?Do you think this book is an enchanted object?
- MateoSí, Elena, parece algo encantado.Yes, Elena, it looks like something enchanted.
- Elena¡Mira cómo brillan las páginas!Look how the pages are glowing!
- MateoEs realmente increíble.It is truly incredible.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “enchanted” translations and entries encantado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
