con gusto
/kon ˈɡusto/
In Spanish, "I am happy to help" is expressed as con gusto.
con gusto is a common way to respond to someone saying "gracias" (thank you) to indicate you were happy to assist. It is also used to agree to a request.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase con gusto literally translates to "with pleasure".
Which one should you use?
While con gusto is a very common way to say "I am happy to help", it is more concise than the literal translation of the English phrase estoy feliz de ayudar.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
con gusto is a polite and professional way to respond to a request or a thank you. For more formal contexts, you can use Estoy feliz de poder ayudar (I am happy to be able to help) or Me complace poder ayudar (It pleases me to be able to help).
Did you know?
- The word gusto in con gusto originally referred to the physical sense of 'taste' rather than an emotional state. Over time, its meaning evolved from the sensation of flavor to the abstract concept of pleasure or enjoyment.
- In Colombia and Costa Rica, con gusto is the most common response to 'thank you', whereas in Spain, speakers are more likely to use de nada.
- Using con gusto can transform a simple 'yes' into a gesture of hospitality, signaling that the speaker is not just agreeing to a task but is genuinely pleased to do it.
Examples in context
- Cuando necesite ayuda, estaré feliz de poder ayudar.When you need help, I will be happy to help.
- Me complace poder ayudarle en cualquier momento.It pleases me to be able to help you anytime.
- Si necesitas algo, estoy encantado/a de ayudarte.If you need anything, I am delighted to help you.
- ¡Claro! Con gusto te ayudo con eso.Of course! I am happy to help you with that.
- Lo haré con gusto.I will do it with pleasure.
- Te ayudo con gusto.I'll help you gladly.
- ¡Con gusto!With pleasure!
Example conversation
Sofía thanks Javier for carrying her bags.
- JavierToma tus bolsas, Sofía.Here are your bags, Sofía.
- SofíaMuchas gracias por ayudarme, Javier.Thank you very much for helping me, Javier.
- JavierLo hice con gusto.I was happy to do it.
- SofíaEres muy amable.You are very kind.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry con gusto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries con, con gusto, gusto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
