Inklingo

How to Say "grateful" in Spanish

English → Spanish

agradecido

ah-grah-deh-SEE-doh/a.ɣɾa.ðeˈsi.ðo/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'agradecido' when you want to express general thanks or appreciation for something someone has done for you.
A small, friendly bear cub with a warm, gentle smile, holding its paws over its chest near its heart, symbolizing deep appreciation and gratitude.

Examples

Estoy muy agradecido por su ayuda con la mudanza.

I am very grateful for your help with the move.

Ella se sintió agradecida con todos sus amigos.

She felt thankful toward all of her friends.

Los niños, agradecidos, le dieron un dibujo a la maestra.

The thankful children gave the teacher a drawing.

Adjusting the Ending

Since 'agradecido' is an adjective, its ending must match the person you are describing. Use 'agradecida' for women, 'agradecidos' for groups of men or mixed groups, and 'agradecidas' for groups of women.

Prepositions: Por vs. Con

Use 'por' to say why you are grateful (e.g., por tu regalo - for your gift). Use 'con' to say who you are grateful to (e.g., con mi jefe - to my boss).

Forgetting Gender Agreement

Mistake: “La doctora dijo: 'Estoy agradecido por su ayuda.'”

Correction: La doctora dijo: 'Estoy agradecida por su ayuda.' (The female doctor must use the feminine ending.)

obligado

oh-blee-GAH-doh/oβliˈɣaðo/

adjectiveB2formal
Use 'obligado' when you feel deeply thankful, almost indebted, especially for a significant or selfless act of kindness.
A small, furry creature looking up at a larger, friendly creature with deep gratitude, as the larger creature helps it cross a small stream with a plank.

Examples

Le estoy muy obligado por su ayuda desinteresada.

I am very indebted to you for your selfless help.

Me sentiré obligado a devolverle el favor.

I will feel obliged to return the favor to you.

Using 'Estar' for Obligation

Use the verb 'estar' (to be, temporary state) with 'obligado' to express a personal feeling of gratitude or debt: 'Estoy obligado' means 'I feel indebted,' not necessarily 'I must do this task.'

Gender Mismatch

Mistake: “If a woman is speaking, she must say 'estoy obligada' (feminine ending), not 'estoy obligado.'”

Correction: Remember that this adjective must match the speaker's gender when used personally.

Choosing between 'agradecido' and 'obligado'

Learners often confuse these by using 'obligado' for everyday thanks. Remember that 'agradecido' is the standard, everyday word for 'grateful'. Reserve 'obligado' for situations where you feel a profound sense of debt or deep appreciation.

Related Translations

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