alegre
/aˈleɡɾe/
The English word 'merry' is translated into Spanish as alegre.
alegre is an adjective used to describe someone or something that is festive and full of fun and laughter.
Meaning: festive and full of fun and laughter (adj)
Which one should you use?
While alegre means merry or cheerful, it is distinct from feliz (happy), which describes a state of being or a long-term emotion.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective alegre becomes alegres in its plural form to match plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈleɡɾe/
Did you know?
- While alegre means 'merry' or 'cheerful', it can also be used as a euphemism to describe someone who is slightly drunk. In this context, it suggests a state of lighthearted intoxication.
- The Spanish word alegre shares a common ancestor with the English word 'alacrity', which refers to briskness or readiness.
- In Spanish, you can describe a color as alegre if it is bright and cheerful. This is a common way to describe a vivid palette of colors in interior design or fashion.
Examples in context
- Un corazón alegre prolonga la vida.A merry heart makes a long life.This sentence shows how alegre can describe a person's temperament or heart.Tatoeba #1567858 by hayastan, translation #1044846 by saeedveradi
- Mary estaba alegre.Mary was merry.This sentence illustrates the use of alegre to describe a person's state.Tatoeba #1526258 by marcelostockle, translation #1488731 by Spamster
- No conozco el nombre de los pájaros que están cantando una canción tan alegre.I don't know the name of the birds that were singing such a merry song.This sentence shows how alegre can be used to describe a song.Tatoeba #737942 by Shishir, translation #37830 by rul
- ¡Feliz Navidad a todos mis amigos!Merry Christmas to all my friends!
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Javier are talking about a party they attended.
- MaríaLa fiesta de ayer fue muy alegre.Yesterday's party was very merry.
- JavierSí, todos estaban muy felices.Yes, everyone was very happy.
- MaríaMe encantó la música alegre que pusieron.I loved the merry music they played.
- JavierA mí también, fue una noche genial.Me too, it was a great night.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry alegre, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alegre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
