Inklingo

How to Say "pleased" in Spanish

English → Spanish

contento

kohn-TEHN-toh/konˈtento/

adjectiveA1general
Use 'contento' when you want to express a general feeling of happiness or contentment, often about a situation or possession.
A young child with rosy cheeks smiling widely while holding a bright red balloon.

Examples

El niño está contento con su nuevo juguete.

The boy is happy with his new toy.

Me siento contento de haberte ayudado.

I feel pleased/happy to have helped you.

No necesito mucho, estoy contento con lo que tengo.

I don't need much, I am content with what I have.

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.

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').

satisfecho

sah-tees-FEH-choh/sa.tisˈfe.t͡ʃo/

adjectiveB1general
Choose 'satisfecho' when you are pleased with a specific result, achievement, or the way something turned out.
A simplified character sitting comfortably on a soft chair, smiling peacefully with their eyes closed, indicating deep contentment and satisfaction.

Examples

Estoy muy satisfecho con el resultado de mi examen.

I am very satisfied with the result of my exam.

Después de la cena, el niño se sintió completamente satisfecho.

After dinner, the boy felt completely full (and satisfied).

Si estás satisfecho con el servicio, puedes dejar una propina.

If you are pleased with the service, you can leave a tip.

State of Being (Estar)

Use 'satisfecho' almost always with the verb 'estar' (to be) because it describes a temporary state or feeling, not a permanent characteristic.

The Irregular Root

This word is the past participle of the verb 'satisfacer' (to satisfy). Although it looks like it ends in -echo, it follows the pattern of 'hacer' (hecho) because 'satisfacer' is related to 'hacer'.

Using Ser Instead of Estar

Mistake: “Soy satisfecho.”

Correction: Estoy satisfecho. (You must use 'estar' because satisfaction is a current, changeable feeling, not a fundamental part of who you are.)

orgullosa

or-goo-YOH-sah/or.ɣuˈʎo.sa/

adjectiveA1general
Use 'orgullosa' (feminine form) or 'orgulloso' (masculine form) when the feeling of being pleased stems from pride in an accomplishment or someone else's success.
A young girl standing tall and smiling brightly, holding up a gold medal.

Examples

Mi hermana está orgullosa de haber terminado la maratón.

My sister is proud to have finished the marathon.

La abuela se siente muy orgullosa de sus nietos.

The grandmother feels very proud of her grandchildren.

Estoy orgullosa de ser parte de este equipo.

I am proud to be part of this team.

Feminine Form

'Orgullosa' is the form you use when describing a girl, woman, or feminine noun. The masculine form is 'orgulloso'.

Required Preposition

In Spanish, you are always 'proud OF' something. Use the preposition 'de' immediately after 'orgullosa' to connect it to the thing causing the pride.

General Happiness vs. Outcome Satisfaction

Learners often confuse 'contento' and 'satisfecho'. Remember that 'contento' is a broader term for being happy or pleased in general, while 'satisfecho' specifically focuses on satisfaction derived from a particular result or outcome.

Related Translations

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