complacer
“complacer” means “to please” in Spanish (making someone feel satisfied or happy).
to please, to satisfy
Also: to humor, to indulge
📝 In Action
Siempre intenta complacer a sus padres con buenas notas.
B1He always tries to please his parents with good grades.
Me complace anunciar que hemos terminado el proyecto.
B2I am pleased to announce that we have finished the project.
No puedes complacer a todo el mundo todo el tiempo.
A2You can't please everyone all the time.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: complacer
Question 1 of 3
Which is the correct 'yo' form of complacer in the present tense?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'complacere', which combines 'com-' (meaning completely) and 'placere' (meaning to please).
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'complacer' different from 'gustar'?
Yes. 'Gustar' is used to say you like something (it is pleasing to you). 'Complacer' is an active verb where someone actively tries to satisfy or make another person happy.
Is it a common verb?
It's moderately common. While you might use 'hacer feliz' (make happy) in casual speech, 'complacer' is very common in literature, news, and formal settings.
Does it have a special spelling in the past tense?
No, it is regular in the preterite (past) tense: complací, complaciste, complació, etc.