How to Say "pleased" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “pleased” is “contento” — use 'contento' for a general feeling of happiness or satisfaction, often with a simple or everyday situation.
contento
kohn-TEHN-tohkonˈtento
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-chohsa.tisˈfe.t͡ʃo
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.)
complacido
kom-pla-SEE-dohkomplaˈθiðo
Examples
Estoy muy complacido con el progreso de los estudiantes.
I am very pleased with the students' progress.
El director se mostró complacido por los resultados trimestrales.
The director seemed satisfied with the quarterly results.
Ella no parecía del todo complacida con la explicación que le dieron.
She didn't seem entirely content with the explanation they gave her.
He complacido todos sus deseos.
I have satisfied all their wishes.
Matching People and Gender
Since this is an adjective, you must change the ending to match who you are talking about. Use 'complacido' for a man, 'complacida' for a woman, 'complacidos' for a group of men (or mixed), and 'complacidas' for a group of women.
Which 'To Be' to use?
Always use 'estar' (the temporary form of 'to be') when saying you are pleased. This is because being pleased is a feeling or a state of mind, not a permanent character trait.
Spelling Change in the 'I' form
When using the present tense, the 'I' form (yo) changes to 'complazco' (I please). This 'zc' spelling helps keep the sound of the word consistent.
Don't use 'ser'
Mistake: “Soy complacido con mi regalo.”
Correction: Estoy complacido con mi regalo. (Use 'estar' for feelings/emotions).
orgullosa
or-goo-YOH-sahor.ɣuˈʎo.sa
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.
Contento vs. Satisfecho
Related Translations
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