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How to Say "delight" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “delight” is “placer” — use 'placer' when referring to a source of great enjoyment or a polite expression of happiness upon meeting someone..

English → Spanish

placer

/plah-SEHR//plaˈseɾ/

nounA2
Use 'placer' when referring to a source of great enjoyment or a polite expression of happiness upon meeting someone.
A happy child sitting on a patch of green grass under bright sunshine, smiling widely with closed eyes while holding a single brightly colored flower, symbolizing simple enjoyment.

Examples

Es un placer conocerte.

It's a pleasure to meet you.

Leer un buen libro me da mucho placer.

Reading a good book gives me a lot of pleasure.

El verdadero placer está en las pequeñas cosas.

The real pleasure is in the little things.

Always Masculine

'Placer' is a masculine noun, so you always use 'el' or 'un' with it. For example, 'el placer de viajar' (the pleasure of traveling).

encanto

en-KAHN-toh/enˈkanto/

nounB1
Use 'encanto' to describe a delightful person or a charming experience that brings pleasure.
A small, happy child sitting in a field, looking up with a wide smile and outstretched hands, experiencing pure delight.

Examples

Fue un encanto conocer a tu familia.

It was a delight (or pleasure) to meet your family.

Mi jefe es un encanto, siempre nos trae café.

My boss is a delight (or a lovely person), he always brings us coffee.

¡Qué encanto de regalo!

What a lovely gift!

Using 'Ser' with 'Encanto'

When you use 'ser' (to be) with 'encanto' to describe a person ('Eres un encanto'), you are giving a fixed, positive compliment. Even if the person is female, the noun 'encanto' remains masculine.

Placer vs. Encanto

Learners often confuse 'placer' and 'encanto' because both can mean 'pleasure' or 'delight'. The key difference is that 'placer' is more general for enjoyment or politeness, while 'encanto' often refers to something or someone charming and delightful.

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