Ask a Question

(Create a thread)
Go Back   Spanish language learning forums > Spanish & English Languages > Vocabulary
Register Help/FAQ Community Calendar Today's Posts Search PenpalsTranslator


Estoy feliz/estoy contento

 

Ask about definitions or translations for Spanish or English words.


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old September 20, 2013, 04:48 PM
Liquinn3 Liquinn3 is offline
Emerald
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: England.
Posts: 524
Liquinn3 is on a distinguished road
Estoy feliz/estoy contento

What is more 'natural' sounding to use?
What's the difference between saying 'Estoy feliz' and 'Estoy contento' if they both pretty much mean the same thing?

Thanks.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old September 20, 2013, 06:08 PM
wrholt's Avatar
wrholt wrholt is online now
Sapphire
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Posts: 1,407
Native Language: US English
wrholt is on a distinguished road
"Feliz" and "contento" don't always mean the same thing; they are partial synonyms, but not perfect synonyms. Native speakers may be better guides to contexts where either one sounds good and they mean the same thing and also to contexts where only one of them sounds good or where they do not mean the same thing.

For example, suppose you are eating at a restaurant, and your server comes to offer you more water; you might refuse the offer by saying "gracias, estoy contento" (= "thank you, I'm happy/satisfied = I've had enough").

In this context, saying "gracias, estoy feliz" may come across as saying "thank you, I feel happy now", and your waiter may not know whether to pour more water in your glass or not.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old September 21, 2013, 06:36 AM
Manuel Manuel is offline
Pearl
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Posts: 117
Native Language: Dutch / holandés
Manuel is on a distinguished road
Isn't the difference simply between "happy" and "content"? If you're a native English speaker, that should be perfectly clear then.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old September 21, 2013, 07:08 AM
Liquinn3 Liquinn3 is offline
Emerald
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: England.
Posts: 524
Liquinn3 is on a distinguished road
Thanks, Manuel.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old September 22, 2013, 05:55 PM
AMG's Avatar
AMG AMG is offline
Pearl
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Bogotá, Colombia (London someday)
Posts: 129
Native Language: Se habla español
AMG is on a distinguished road
Feliz= happy and contento= content.

But it has different meanings depending on the context.
For example, when you say: "Nos tocó darle un regalo para que estuviera contento", it means that the subject was conformed with the gift received.
When you say: "Él está contento porque pasó a la Universidad" it could mean "happy".
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old September 23, 2013, 05:55 AM
Liquinn3 Liquinn3 is offline
Emerald
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: England.
Posts: 524
Liquinn3 is on a distinguished road
Quote:
Originally Posted by AMG View Post
Feliz= happy and contento= content.

But it has different meanings depending on the context.
For example, when you say: "Nos tocó darle un regalo para que estuviera contento", it means that the subject was conformed with the gift received.
When you say: "Él está contento porque pasó a la Universidad" it could mean "happy".
Muchas gracias por la clarificación, amiga.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old September 23, 2013, 11:16 AM
AMG's Avatar
AMG AMG is offline
Pearl
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Bogotá, Colombia (London someday)
Posts: 129
Native Language: Se habla español
AMG is on a distinguished road
Quote:
Originally Posted by Liquinn3 View Post
Muchas gracias por la clarificación, amiga.
Don't mention it, buddy
Reply With Quote
Reply

 

Link to this thread
URL: 
HTML Link: 
BB Code: 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Site Rules

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
No soy vs. No estoy Caballero Grammar 26 June 13, 2011 10:49 PM
Aqui estoy... neato Introductions 9 October 26, 2010 01:12 PM
Estoy deprimido bobjenkins Translations 5 May 18, 2009 11:01 AM
Estoy deprimido bobjenkins General Chat 11 May 16, 2009 01:13 AM
Soy vs Estoy MonteChristo Grammar 10 May 17, 2008 11:22 AM


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 08:51 PM.

Forum powered by vBulletin® Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.

X