feliz
“feliz” means “happy” in Spanish (general feeling of joy or contentment).
happy
Also: glad, fortunate
📝 In Action
Estoy muy feliz hoy.
A1I am very happy today.
¡Feliz cumpleaños!
A1Happy birthday!
Ella tuvo una infancia feliz.
A2She had a happy childhood.
Nos sentimos felices por tus logros.
B1We feel happy for your achievements.
🔀 Commonly Confused With
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: feliz
Question 1 of 3
You just received a promotion at work. How would you tell a friend 'I'm happy'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word 'fēlīx', which originally meant 'fruitful' or 'fertile'. Over time, its meaning shifted to 'lucky' and eventually to the 'happy' we know today.
First recorded: Around the 12th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the real difference between 'feliz' and 'contento'?
Think of 'feliz' as a deeper, more long-lasting happiness, like the joy you feel in life. 'Contento' is more like being satisfied or pleased in the moment, like being 'content' with a good meal or 'glad' that it's sunny. Both can mean 'happy', but 'feliz' often carries more weight.
Why do people say 'Estoy feliz' sometimes and 'Soy feliz' other times?
It's all about whether the happiness is a temporary feeling or a permanent state. Use 'Estoy feliz' for a mood ('I'm happy right now because I saw a puppy'). Use 'Soy feliz' to describe your general personality or life outlook ('I am a happy person').
Does 'feliz' ever change to 'feliza' for a woman?
Nope! 'Feliz' is one of the easy ones. It stays the same for both masculine and feminine. You say 'el hombre feliz' and 'la mujer feliz'. It only changes for plural: 'felices'.