contenta
con-TEN-tah
📝 In Action
Mi hermana está muy contenta con su nuevo trabajo.
A1My sister is very happy with her new job.
¿Estás contenta con el resultado del examen?
A2Are you pleased/content with the exam result? (Addressing a female)
La perrita de mi vecina siempre parece contenta cuando jugamos.
A2My neighbor's dog (female) always seems happy when we play.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Agreement
Since 'contenta' ends in -a, it must describe a female person or a feminine noun. If you were describing a male person, you would use 'contento'.
Use with 'Estar'
This word usually describes a temporary feeling or state of being, so it almost always pairs with the verb 'estar' (to be), not 'ser'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing Genders
Mistake: "El perro está contenta."
Correction: El perro está contento. (The dog is male, so the adjective must match.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Expressing Gratitude
You can use this word when thanking someone for something nice: '¡Estoy muy contenta con el regalo!' (I'm very happy with the gift!).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: contenta
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses the word 'contenta'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'contenta' and 'feliz'?
'Contenta' (or 'contento') means happy, satisfied, or pleased, often in a calm way. 'Feliz' also means happy, but it is often used for deeper, more lasting joy (like 'happy birthday' or 'happy marriage'). However, in everyday conversation, they are often interchangeable.
Why do I use 'estar' with 'contenta'?
You use 'estar' because happiness is considered a temporary, changeable state or feeling. You might be happy now, but sad later. If you were describing a permanent characteristic, you would use 'ser', but feelings usually require 'estar'.