Inklingo

How to Say "pleasure" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “pleasure” is “gusto” — use 'gusto' as a general expression of enjoyment or delight, especially in common polite phrases like 'Nice to meet you'..

gusto🔊A1

Use 'gusto' as a general expression of enjoyment or delight, especially in common polite phrases like 'Nice to meet you'.

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placer🔊A2

Use 'placer' for the feeling of enjoyment or satisfaction, often used in polite expressions, similar to 'gusto', but can also refer to a deeper sense of pleasure.

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disfrute🔊B1

Use 'disfrute' to refer to the enjoyment or satisfaction derived from an experience, often a vacation or a specific activity.

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honor🔊A2

Use 'honor' when the pleasure comes from a sense of deep respect, gratification, or a special distinction.

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privilegio🔊B2

Use 'privilegio' to express that the pleasure is a special advantage or opportunity, often implying a high level of satisfaction due to exclusivity.

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encanto🔊B1

Use 'encanto' specifically when describing the delight or pleasure of meeting someone in a very friendly and charming way.

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English → Spanish

gusto

/goos-toh//'gus.to/

nounA1general
Use 'gusto' as a general expression of enjoyment or delight, especially in common polite phrases like 'Nice to meet you'.
A cartoon figure smiling broadly and raising their arms in a gesture of pure joy and delight, standing on a sunny hill.

Examples

Mucho gusto en conocerte.

It's a pleasure to meet you.

Lo hice con mucho gusto.

I did it with great pleasure.

¿Te ayudo con las bolsas? — ¡Claro, con gusto!

Should I help you with the bags? — Of course, with pleasure!

placer

/plah-SEHR//plaˈseɾ/

nounA2general
Use 'placer' for the feeling of enjoyment or satisfaction, often used in polite expressions, similar to 'gusto', but can also refer to a deeper sense of pleasure.
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).

disfrute

dis-FROO-teh/disˈfɾute/

nounB1general
Use 'disfrute' to refer to the enjoyment or satisfaction derived from an experience, often a vacation or a specific activity.
A peaceful illustration of a person sitting in a sunny green meadow, eyes closed, smiling contentedly to show enjoyment.

Examples

El disfrute de las vacaciones es mi prioridad este año.

The enjoyment of the holidays is my priority this year.

El parque ofrece un espacio de disfrute para todos los vecinos.

The park offers a space of enjoyment for all the neighbors.

El disfrute de los beneficios laborales comienza el primer día.

The benefit (or use) of the employment perks starts on the first day.

Masculine Noun

Even though it ends in '-e', 'disfrute' is a masculine noun, so you must use 'el' or 'un' with it.

honor

/oh-NOR//oˈnoɾ/

nounA2formal
Use 'honor' when the pleasure comes from a sense of deep respect, gratification, or a special distinction.
A smiling character on a small stage receiving a golden, ornate scroll under a bright spotlight, symbolizing a special privilege or honor.

Examples

Es un honor estar aquí con ustedes.

It's an honor to be here with you.

El honor es todo mío.

The honor is all mine.

Tengo el honor de presentarles a nuestro próximo orador.

I have the honor of presenting our next speaker.

privilegio

/pree-bee-LEH-heeoh//pɾi.βiˈle.xjo/

nounB2formal
Use 'privilegio' to express that the pleasure is a special advantage or opportunity, often implying a high level of satisfaction due to exclusivity.
A joyful cartoon character proudly wearing a large, golden laurel wreath on their head, symbolizing honor and distinction.

Examples

Fue un privilegio asistir a la ceremonia de graduación de mi hija.

It was an honor/a privilege to attend my daughter's graduation ceremony.

Tuve el privilegio de trabajar junto a la famosa chef durante un mes.

I had the honor of working alongside the famous chef for a month.

Using 'De'

When using 'privilegio' to mean 'honor' and following it with an action, you almost always need the preposition 'de' (of): 'Tengo el privilegio de ayudarte' (I have the honor of helping you).

encanto

en-KAHN-toh/enˈkanto/

nounB1informal
Use 'encanto' specifically when describing the delight or pleasure of meeting someone in a very friendly and charming way.
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.

Polite Greetings vs. Deeper Enjoyment

Learners often confuse 'gusto' and 'placer' in greetings. While both can mean 'pleasure to meet you,' 'gusto' is more common and slightly more informal for this specific phrase. Use 'disfrute' for the enjoyment of an activity, not for greetings.

Related Translations

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