Which one should you use?
While je suis content means "I am happy", je suis ravi expresses a higher degree of pleasure or delight. Other ways to express delight include Je suis enchanté(e) (I am enchanted), which is often used in formal or high-society contexts or the more intense Je suis comblé(e) de joie (I am overcome with joy), which is also appropriate for formal settings.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, the phrase Je suis ben content(e) is a common way to express delight casually.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective in je suis ravi must agree with the speaker's gender: if the speaker is female, the form becomes je suis ravie. When connecting this adjective to a verb or a noun, it is typically followed by the preposition de, as in je suis ravi de…
Did you know?
- The word ravi comes from the verb ravir, which can also mean 'to snatch' or 'to steal'. In a poetic or dramatic sense, being 'delighted' is like having your heart stolen by joy.
- Using enchanté to express general happiness can make a speaker sound like they are in a fairy tale.
- The French language has several levels of delight. While content is basic and ravi is strong, comblé implies a sense of being 'filled up' or 'complete', suggesting that no more happiness could possibly be added.
Examples in context
- Je suis ravi d'être ici.I am delighted to be here.This sentence is useful for expressing delight at being in a specific location using je suis ravi.Tatoeba #1709096 by sacredceltic, translation #1690490 by Spamster
- Je suis ravi de te rencontrer.I am delighted to meet you.This sentence is useful for expressing delight at meeting someone using je suis ravi.Tatoeba #10243 by sacredceltic, translation #71174 by Eldad
- Je suis ravi de vous avoir rencontré aujourd'hui.I am delighted to have met you today.This sentence is useful for expressing delight at having met someone previously using je suis ravi.Tatoeba #463882 by sacredceltic, translation #415523 by blay_paul
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are at a small celebration for a new job.
- EmmaFélicitations pour ton nouveau poste, Nathan !Congratulations on your new job, Nathan!
- NathanMerci Emma, je suis ravi de commencer.Thank you Emma, I am delighted to start.
- EmmaC'est une excellente nouvelle pour toi.That is excellent news for you.
- NathanOui, je suis vraiment très heureux.Yes, I am really very happy.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries je, ravi, suis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
