alegria
/a.leˈɡɾi.ɐ/feminine
The Portuguese word for joy is alegria.
alegria refers to the feeling of joy or happiness. While it describes the emotion of joy, it is distinct from felicidade, which typically refers to a more long-term state of happiness or well-being. To express that an action is done with joy or because of joy, you use the preposition de before the word, such as in the phrase de alegria.
Meaning: feeling of happiness (noun)
Which one should you use?
While alegria is the standard word for joy or happiness, other formal terms exist for specific nuances. Júbilo is a formal term for an intense and exuberant kind of joy, and regozijo is a formal word used to signify a blissful state.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In European Portuguese, regozijo is often used in formal contexts to express joy specifically with a sense of gratitude or contentment.
How does it change in a sentence?
alegria is a feminine noun. The plural form of alegria is alegrias.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of alegria is /a.leˈɡɾi.ɐ/. It has four syllables, and the stress is on the third syllable.
Did you know?
- The root of alegria connects to the Latin 'alacer', meaning 'lively' or 'eager', which explains why the word carries an energetic connotation in Portuguese.
- In genres like Samba, alegria is viewed as a communal and rhythmic force shared by a group rather than a private internal feeling.
- The word alegria can be used sarcastically to mock something that is 'too much fun', mirroring the English use of 'wonderful' in a negative sense.
Examples in context
- Eu pulei de alegria.I jumped for joy.This sentence shows the use of alegria to express the cause of jumping.Tatoeba #8026930 by lucasmg123, translation #20687 by CM
- Ela gritou de alegria.She screamed with joy.This sentence shows the use of alegria to express the cause of screaming.Tatoeba #2661118 by carlosalberto, translation #9770455 by DJ_Saidez
- Ela dançou de alegria.She danced with joy.This sentence shows the use of alegria to express the cause of dancing.Tatoeba #4687615 by carlosalberto, translation #313103 by CK
- Ela sentiu uma imensa alegria ao ver o sorriso de seu filho.She felt immense joy when she saw her son's smile.
- O júbilo tomou conta da multidão quando o time ganhou o campeonato.Joy overwhelmed the crowd when the team won the championship.
- O regozijo em seu coração era evidente após receber a notícia da promoção.The joy in her heart was evident after receiving the news of the promotion.
- Que felicidade ver você aqui!What a joy to see you here!
- Encontrei meu lugar de contentamento neste novo hobby.I found my place of joy in this new hobby.
- Que alegriazinha encontrar dinheiro perdido na rua!What a little joy to find lost money on the street!
- Recebi a notícia com regozijo, pois há muito esperava por essa oportunidade.I received the news with joy as I had long awaited this opportunity.
- 63 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mariana and Rodrigo are talking about a surprise party.
- MarianaRodrigo, você viu a alegria no rosto dela?Rodrigo, did you see the joy on her face?
- RodrigoSim, Mariana, foi um momento de muita alegria.Yes, Mariana, it was a moment of much joy.
- MarianaEu também senti uma alegria imensa.I also felt an immense joy.
- RodrigoFico feliz que você tenha compartilhado essa alegria.I am glad you shared this joy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “joy” translations and entries alegria, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alegria, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
