Portuguese · Emotions & Descriptions
"Happy" in Portuguese: feliz
feliz
Note: also: contente
Happy in Portuguese is feliz, and it stays the same for masculine and feminine singular. Contente is a close everyday synonym. Wish someone well with Fique feliz or the set phrase Feliz aniversário!
Good news
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How to pronounce feliz
Say it
feh-LEESS
/fe.ˈlis/
feh-LEESS. Stress leess. In Brazil the final z often sounds like s.
"Happy" in Portuguese: quick reference
| Portuguese | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| feliz | happy Default adjective for happy. | Default adjective for happy. |
| contente | glad, content Everyday synonym, slightly softer. | Everyday synonym, slightly softer. |
| felicidade | happiness The noun form. | The noun form. |
| Feliz aniversário! | Happy birthday! Fixed celebration wish. | Fixed celebration wish. |
| Feliz Natal! | Merry Christmas! Holiday wish using feliz. | Holiday wish using feliz. |
How to use feliz in real life
- 1Good news
Estou muito feliz com o novo emprego.
I'm very happy with the new job.
Estar feliz describes a current feeling.
- 2About a friend
Ela parece feliz hoje, né?
She seems happy today, right?
Feliz stays unchanged for ela.
- 3Birthday message
Feliz aniversário! Você merece um dia incrível.
Happy birthday! You deserve an amazing day.
Feliz opens many celebration phrases.
Mistakes English speakers make with feliz
Incorrect: Ela está feliza.
Correct: Ela está feliz.
Feliz does not take -a in the singular. It is the same for ele and ela.
Incorrect: Eu sou feliz com fome agora.
Correct: Eu estou feliz / Eu estou com fome.
Temporary feelings usually take estar. Also do not mix happy with hungry.
Good to know
Brazilians use feliz in set wishes all year: Feliz aniversário, Feliz Natal, Feliz Ano Novo. In casual speech, contente or radiantly smiling body language often carries the same meaning as saying feliz out loud.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Celebrating a friend's new apartment
ChatPal
Você está feliz com o apartamento novo?
Are you happy with the new apartment?
You
Estou muito feliz. A luz da manhã é perfeita.
I'm very happy. The morning light is perfect.
ChatPal
Que bom! Fico feliz por você de verdade.
How wonderful! I'm truly happy for you.
You
Obrigado. Hoje eu me sinto feliz demais.
Thanks. Today I feel so happy.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Happy" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Happy" in Portuguese
Does feliz change for gender?
Not in the singular. Ele está feliz and ela está feliz. The plural is felizes.
What is the difference between feliz and contente?
Both mean happy or glad. Feliz is the default; contente can sound a bit softer or more everyday.
How do I say happy birthday?
Feliz aniversário! It is the standard wish in Brazil and Portugal.
Should I use ser or estar with feliz?
Estar feliz for a current mood. Ser feliz for a more lasting life state.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
