What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'I am delighted to learn it', where l'apprendre (to learn it) is used instead of 'to hear it'.
Which one should you use?
A common distinction is between the verbs entendre and apprendre. While entendre means 'to hear' (the physical act), apprendre (to learn/find out) is the more natural choice when reacting to news or information. Another common alternative is ça me fait plaisir de l'apprendre, which means 'It gives me pleasure to hear that'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Je suis ravi(e) d'apprendre cela and C'est avec joie que j'apprends cela are formal ways to say 'I am happy to hear that'. For a more casual tone, you can use Ça me fait vraiment plaisir ! or je suis content de l'apprendre, which is slightly less intense and more common in casual conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
If the speaker is female, the adjective ravi must take an extra 'e' to become ravie, resulting in je suis ravie de l'apprendre.
Did you know?
- The adjective ravi used in je suis ravi de l'apprendre comes from the verb ravir, which can also mean 'to seize' or 'to kidnap'. In a very literal sense, you are saying you have been 'seized' or 'carried away' by joy.
- While ravi means 'delighted', the word ravissant is used as an adjective to describe something 'ravishing' or 'lovely'.
- The word suis in je suis actually traces back to a linguistic oddity where the Latin 'sum' was influenced by the form 'fuī', meaning 'I was'. This caused a unique development in the conjugation of the verb 'to be' in French.
Examples in context
- Je suis ravi d'apprendre que vous avez obtenu cette promotion tant méritée.I am delighted to hear that you have received this well-deserved promotion.
- Ça me fait vraiment plaisir ! Je suis heureux d'apprendre que tu vas te marier.That really makes me happy! I am glad to hear that you are getting married.
- Je suis ravi de l'apprendre.I am happy to hear that.
- C'est une excellente nouvelle, je suis ravi de l'apprendre.That is excellent news, I am happy to hear that.
- Tu as réussi ton examen ? Je suis ravi de l'apprendre !You passed your exam? I am happy to hear that!
Example conversation
Nathan tells Manon that he got a new job.
- ManonNathan, comment s'est passé ton entretien ?Nathan, how did your interview go?
- NathanJ'ai eu le poste !I got the job!
- ManonJe suis ravi de l'apprendre !I am happy to hear that!
- NathanMerci beaucoup, Manon.Thank you very much, Manon.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, je, ravi, suis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
