What does it mean word for word?
The phrase je suis ravi d'être ici literally translates to "I am delighted to be here", using the word ravi (delighted/thrilled) instead of the basic word for happy.
Which one should you use?
While je suis heureux d'être ici is a direct translation of "I am happy to be here", je suis ravi d'être ici is more common in social or professional settings to express polite enthusiasm. For a very high level of excitement, you might use the informal expression je suis aux anges d'être ici, which means "I am in heaven to be here".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase je suis ravi d'être ici is a polite and slightly formal way to express pleasure at being present, making it suitable for speeches, meetings or social gatherings. Other formal options include Je suis heureux/heureuse d'être ici and Je suis ravi(e) d'être ici. For informal situations, you can use Je suis content(e) d'être là or the more idiomatic Je suis aux anges d'être ici.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, one can say Je suis ben content(e) d'être ici.
How does it change in a sentence?
If the speaker is female, the adjective ravi must take an extra e to become ravie in the phrase je suis ravie d'être ici.
Did you know?
- The word ravi comes from the verb ravir, which can also mean 'to kidnap' or 'to seize'.
- If you feel an extreme level of happiness, you can use the idiom je suis aux anges, which literally translates to 'I am among the angels'.
- In Quebec, the use of ben in je suis ben content is a shortened form of bien, used as an intensifier similar to 'really'.
Examples in context
- Je suis ravi d'être ici parmi vous ce soir.I am happy to be here among you tonight.
- Je suis ravi d'être ici pour la cérémonie.I am happy to be here for the ceremony.
- Je suis ravi d'être ici avec vous ce soir.I am happy to be here with you tonight.
- Je suis ravi d'être ici pour vous aider.I am happy to be here to help you.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Emma are meeting at a formal dinner party.
- GabrielBonsoir Emma, je suis ravi d'être ici.Good evening Emma, I am happy to be here.
- EmmaMoi aussi, je suis ravie d'être ici avec toi.Me too, I am happy to be here with you.
- GabrielLa soirée s'annonce excellente.The evening looks excellent.
- EmmaOui, tout est magnifique.Yes, everything is magnificent.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ici, je, ravi, suis, CC BY-SA 4.0.