contento
/kohn-TEHN-toh/
happy
When someone is contento, they are happy or pleased.
contento(adjective)
happy
?feeling pleased
,content
?satisfied with one's situation
pleased
?generally satisfied
📝 In Action
El niño está contento con su nuevo juguete.
A1The boy is happy with his new toy.
Me siento contento de haberte ayudado.
A2I feel pleased/happy to have helped you.
No necesito mucho, estoy contento con lo que tengo.
B1I don't need much, I am content with what I have.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Agreement Rule
Since 'contento' is an adjective, it must match the person it describes: use 'contento' (masculine singular), 'contenta' (feminine singular), 'contentos' (masculine plural), and 'contentas' (feminine plural).
Using ESTAR
Always use the verb 'estar' (like 'Yo estoy contento') because happiness is usually described as a feeling or a changeable state, not a permanent characteristic.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing up Gender
Mistake: "La niña está contento."
Correction: La niña está contenta. (The adjective must end in -a for a feminine noun like 'niña').
⭐ Usage Tips
For 'Pleased About Something'
You often follow 'contento' with the preposition 'con' (with) or 'de' (about/to): 'contento con la respuesta' or 'contento de verte'.
Contento can also be used as a noun meaning a state of deep contentment or satisfaction.
contento(noun)
contentment
?a state of happiness
joy
?sense of pleasure
,satisfaction
?feeling of fulfillment
📝 In Action
El contento de la multitud era visible tras la victoria.
B1The contentment/joy of the crowd was visible after the victory.
Busca el contento en las cosas sencillas.
B2Seek satisfaction/joy in simple things.
💡 Grammar Points
Abstract Noun Usage
As a noun, 'el contento' refers to the general, abstract feeling of contentment and always stays in the masculine singular form.
As a verb (usually contentar), it means 'I satisfy' or 'I make someone content'.
📝 In Action
Yo contento a mis clientes con un buen servicio.
B2I satisfy my clients with good service.
No contento a todos, pero me esfuerzo.
C1I don't make everyone happy, but I try hard.
💡 Grammar Points
Action Verb Rule
The verb 'contentar' needs a receiver of the action; you always 'contentar' someone or something. For example: 'contento a mi jefe' (I satisfy my boss).
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal vs. Common Usage
While 'contento' means 'I satisfy', in everyday Spanish, it is often more common to use the phrase 'hacer feliz' (to make happy) instead.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: contento
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'contento' to describe a female friend?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'contento' and 'feliz'?
'Contento' usually means satisfied, pleased, or mildly happy. 'Feliz' implies a deeper, more profound happiness or joy, though in everyday conversation, they are often used interchangeably.
Why do I use 'estar' with 'contento'?
You use 'estar' (which describes temporary conditions or states) because being 'contento' refers to a current emotional state, not a permanent, defining characteristic (which would use 'ser').