What does it mean word for word?
This is a reflexive construction where me is the reflexive pronoun and alegro is the first-person singular present indicative of alegrar (to gladden or to make happy). Literally, it means "I rejoice myself".
Which one should you use?
While Me alegro expresses satisfaction regarding a specific event or news, Estoy alegre is used to describe a person's general state of being cheerful or joyful. Additionally, you can use the third-person singular form Me alegra followed by the thing that makes you happy, such as Me alegra tu noticia (Your news gladdens me).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the phrase Estoy contento (if identifying as male) or Estoy contenta (if identifying as female) is used to mean "I am happy". In Mexico, Me da gusto is used to mean "It gives me joy".
How does it change in a sentence?
When followed by a noun or a clause, the verb typically requires the preposition de. For example, Me alegro de… When expressing gladness about a specific action or fact using a subordinate clause, you must use de que followed by the subjunctive mood, such as Me alegro de que…
How do you pronounce it?
/me aleɡɾo/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, saying Me alegro in response to bad news can be misinterpreted as saying you are glad the misfortune happened, whereas Me alegro por ti specifies you are glad for the person.
- In Spanish, the adjective alegre is not only used for people but can also describe a 'bright' or 'vivid' color, such as a 'cheerful' yellow.
- The small word me in Me alegro is a linguistic hybrid. It comes from the Latin accusative 'mē' but also absorbed the functions of the Latin dative 'mihi' during the evolution of the language.
Examples in context
- Me alegro de que me hayas ayudado.I am glad that you have helped me.This sentence is useful for expressing gladness about someone helping you with the form Me alegro.Tatoeba #580445 by Shishir, translation #252697 by Eldad
- Me alegro de haberme topado contigo aquí.I am glad to run into you here.This sentence is useful for expressing gladness about running into someone with the form Me alegro.Tatoeba #522874 by Shishir, translation #71162 by CM
- Me alegro de oír que sabes cómo la llaman.I am glad to hear that you know how she is called.This sentence is useful for expressing gladness about hearing information with the form Me alegro.Tatoeba #1229950 by Shishir, translation #852170 by marloncori
- Me alegra mucho haber tenido la oportunidad de conocerlo.I am glad to have had the opportunity to meet you.
- Estoy contento de haber asistido a esta conferencia.I am happy to have attended this conference.
- Me siento feliz de colaborar en este proyecto.I feel happy to collaborate on this project.
- Estoy contento de verte.I am happy to see you.
- Estoy contenta por tu logro.I am happy for your achievement.
- Me da gusto que hayas pasado el examen.It gives me joy that you passed the exam.
- Me da gusto que estés aquí.It gives me joy that you are here.
- Estoy feliz de que vengas con nosotros.I am happy that you are coming with us.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are talking about Daniel's new job.
- LucíaHe oído que tienes un trabajo nuevo.I heard that you have a new job.
- DanielSí, empiezo el lunes y estoy muy feliz.Yes, I start on Monday and I am very happy.
- LucíaMe alegro mucho por ti, Daniel.I am very glad for you, Daniel.
- DanielMuchas gracias, Lucía.Thank you very much, Lucía.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries me, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
