ser feliz
/seɾ feliθ/from spelling rules
To be happy in Spanish is ser feliz.
The phrase is used to express a general sense of contentment and long-term satisfaction with one's life.
Which one should you use?
Spanish distinguishes between different types of happiness. Use ser feliz to describe a long-term state of happiness or a person's character. In contrast, estar feliz is used to describe a temporary feeling of happiness or a reaction to a specific event.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, it is common to use the phrase estar como unas castañuelas to mean 'to be very happy'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective within the phrase, feliz, changes to felices in its plural form to agree with plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/seɾ feliθ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use ser feliz to describe a temporary mood, such as 'I am happy right now'. For these fleeting emotions, estar feliz is more appropriate.
Did you know?
- The modern Spanish verb ser is a linguistic hybrid that absorbed the Old Spanish word seer, which came from the Latin word for 'sit'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the concept of long-term happiness is deeply connected to convivencia, the joy found in living and coexisting harmoniously with others.
- While ser feliz describes a state of being, Spanish speakers often use the word alegría to describe the active, outward energy of happiness.
Examples in context
- Me gusta ser feliz.I like to be happy.This sentence shows how to express a preference for being happy using ser feliz.Tatoeba #6813293 by arh, translation #6813429 by Ricardo14
- Mi meta es ser feliz.My goal is to be happy.This sentence shows how to express a life goal using ser feliz.Tatoeba #2722508 by cueyayotl, translation #2722502 by CM
- Solo quiero ser feliz.I just want to be happy.This sentence shows how to express a simple desire using ser feliz.Tatoeba #10000751 by Shishir, translation #2815359 by Hybrid
- Estoy contento con los resultados del proyectoI'm happy with the project's results
- Me siento feliz por tu logroI feel happy for your achievement
- Estoy feliz de verteI'm happy to see you
- Andas contento desde que conociste a MaríaYou've been happy since you met María
- 30 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are discussing their goals for the future.
- AlejandroPara mí, lo más importante es ser feliz.For me, the most important thing is to be happy.
- LucíaEstoy de acuerdo, Alejandro.I agree, Alejandro.
- Alejandro¿Crees que es difícil ser feliz hoy en día?Do you think it's difficult to be happy nowadays?
- LucíaA veces, pero depende de cada persona.Sometimes, but it depends on each person.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries feliz, ser, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
