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A2 verb #1,500 le plus courant 13 min de lecture

alegrar

Top 1,500

At the A1 beginner level, the focus is on recognizing and using the verb in its most basic, present-tense forms to describe simple emotions and daily occurrences. Learners at this stage are introduced to the concept of basic feelings, such as being happy, sad, tired, or hungry. The verb is taught primarily in its transitive form, meaning 'to make happy'. Students learn to construct simple sentences using common subjects like 'a música' (the music), 'o presente' (the gift), or 'o amigo' (the friend). For example, a typical A1 sentence would be 'A música alegra a menina' (The music makes the girl happy). The conjugation in the present indicative (eu alegro, você alegra, nós alegramos, eles alegram) is practiced extensively. At this level, the reflexive form (alegrar-se) is usually introduced only as a set phrase or vocabulary item rather than a complex grammatical structure, as reflexive pronouns can be overwhelming for absolute beginners. Teachers emphasize the connection between the verb and the adjective 'alegre' (happy), helping students build word families. The goal is for learners to be able to express what brings them joy in a very straightforward manner. Vocabulary associated with this level includes basic nouns like family members, pets, food, and weather, which are often the subjects that perform the action of the verb. The cultural context at this level is kept simple, focusing on universal concepts of happiness, such as receiving a gift or playing a game. By mastering these foundational uses, A1 learners can begin to participate in basic social interactions, expressing positive reactions and understanding when others do the same. The emphasis is entirely on clear, uncomplicated communication without worrying about the nuances of prepositions or advanced moods.

As learners progress to the A2 elementary level, the usage of the verb expands significantly. At this stage, students are expected to handle past and future tenses, allowing them to narrate events and describe emotional changes over time. The preterite perfect (pretérito perfeito) becomes crucial. Students learn to say things like 'A festa alegrou a cidade' (The party cheered up the city) or 'O palhaço alegrou as crianças' (The clown cheered up the children). This ability to recount past events that brought joy is a key communicative goal. Furthermore, the A2 level introduces the reflexive form (alegrar-se) in a more structured way. Learners are taught how to use reflexive pronouns (me, se, nos) correctly to express 'I became happy' or 'He became happy'. They also begin to learn the essential prepositions that follow the reflexive verb, primarily 'com' (with). For instance, 'Eu me alegrei com a notícia' (I became happy with the news). This marks a significant step in expressing internal emotional states rather than just describing external actions. The vocabulary surrounding the verb also broadens to include more abstract concepts, such as news, results, and events. Students practice using the verb in everyday scenarios, such as talking about weekend plans, describing a good movie, or reacting to a friend's success. The distinction between the verb and the phrase 'ficar feliz' is often discussed, giving learners options for how to express themselves naturally. In terms of listening comprehension, A2 students should be able to identify the verb in short dialogues or simple songs, understanding the general positive sentiment being conveyed. The focus remains on practical, everyday communication, but with a greater degree of grammatical accuracy and temporal flexibility.

At the B1 intermediate level, learners are expected to demonstrate a much deeper command of the verb, incorporating it into more complex sentence structures and expressing nuanced emotional reactions. The subjunctive mood is formally introduced and heavily practiced at this stage. Students learn that verbs of emotion, including this one, trigger the subjunctive in dependent clauses. This is a major grammatical milestone. They practice constructions like 'Fico feliz que isso te alegre' (I am happy that this cheers you up) or 'Espero que a música os alegre' (I hope the music cheers them up). This allows for the expression of hopes, desires, and subjective emotional responses to the actions of others. Additionally, B1 learners explore the imperfect tense (pretérito imperfeito) to describe ongoing or habitual states of joy in the past, such as 'O avô sempre alegrava a casa quando chegava' (The grandfather always cheered up the house when he arrived). The vocabulary becomes more sophisticated, moving beyond simple daily items to include topics like culture, arts, and personal relationships. Students are encouraged to use the verb in storytelling, describing the emotional arc of a narrative. The reflexive form is used with greater confidence, and learners begin to understand the subtle differences between using 'com' and 'por' as prepositions. For example, distinguishing between 'alegrar-se com o presente' (to be happy with the gift) and 'alegrar-se pelo amigo' (to be happy for the friend). Listening and reading materials at this level include more authentic texts, such as blog posts, short articles, and podcasts, where the verb is used in varied contexts. The goal is for B1 learners to move beyond basic transactions and begin expressing their personality and emotional depth in Portuguese.

Reaching the B2 upper-intermediate level means the learner can use the verb with a high degree of fluency, accuracy, and cultural awareness. At this stage, the focus shifts from basic grammar to stylistic choices, idiomatic expressions, and register. B2 students are expected to understand and use the verb in abstract, professional, and academic contexts. They might use it in an essay to describe how a specific policy improved public morale, or in a formal presentation to express satisfaction with a project's outcome. The passive voice is explored, allowing for constructions like 'O ambiente foi alegrado pelas novas decorações' (The environment was cheered up by the new decorations). Learners also delve into the nuances of synonyms, learning exactly when to choose this verb over 'animar', 'contentar', or 'regozijar' based on the subtle shades of meaning required. Idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms involving the concept of joy are integrated into their active vocabulary. The subjunctive mood is used effortlessly, even in complex past subjunctive forms, such as 'Se a notícia nos alegrasse, teríamos comemorado' (If the news had cheered us up, we would have celebrated). Reading comprehension involves tackling contemporary literature, opinion pieces, and news reports where the verb might be used metaphorically or ironically. In spoken Portuguese, B2 learners can engage in extended conversations about emotional well-being, psychology, or social dynamics, using the verb to articulate complex thoughts. They are also sensitive to the differences between Brazilian and European Portuguese usage, understanding regional preferences for certain phrasing. The ultimate goal at this level is spontaneous, natural communication that closely mimics native speaker patterns.

At the C1 advanced level, the learner's use of the verb is sophisticated, highly nuanced, and practically indistinguishable from an educated native speaker. The focus is on absolute mastery of all grammatical forms, including rare tenses and complex syntactical structures. C1 students can effortlessly manipulate the verb in the future subjunctive, personal infinitive, and pluperfect tenses. They understand the deep etymological roots of the word and how it connects to the broader Romance language family. At this level, the verb is frequently used in highly abstract or philosophical discussions. A C1 learner might analyze a piece of classic literature, discussing how the author uses the verb to juxtapose the internal emotional state of a character with the bleak external environment. They are capable of using the verb in formal writing, such as academic papers, official reports, or formal correspondence, maintaining the appropriate elevated register. The reflexive form is used with perfect precision regarding prepositions, and the learner can play with word order for rhetorical effect. Furthermore, C1 students are fully aware of the sociolinguistic aspects of the word. They know how its usage might vary across different social classes, age groups, or specific regions within the Lusophone world. They can detect sarcasm, irony, or understatement when the verb is used in a non-literal sense. In conversation, they can debate, persuade, and express complex emotional states with eloquence and precision. The vocabulary surrounding the verb is vast, encompassing highly specific and literary terms. The goal is complete linguistic flexibility, allowing the learner to use the word as a powerful tool for sophisticated expression.

The C2 proficiency level represents near-native mastery, where the learner possesses an intuitive, almost instinctive grasp of the verb and all its cultural, literary, and historical connotations. At this ultimate stage, the learner does not just use the word correctly; they use it creatively and masterfully. They can invent metaphors, play with puns, and use the verb in ways that demonstrate a profound understanding of the Portuguese language's soul. C2 learners can read complex poetry from authors like Camões or Pessoa and fully appreciate the rhythmic and emotional weight of the verb within the verse. They can engage in high-level academic discourse, using the verb to articulate intricate psychological or sociological theories regarding human emotion and societal well-being. Their command of the grammar is flawless, and they can effortlessly navigate the most obscure rules and exceptions related to verbs of emotion and the subjunctive mood. They are entirely comfortable with archaic or highly literary forms of the verb that might appear in historical texts. In spoken language, their use of the verb is fluid, natural, and perfectly adapted to any situation, from the most formal diplomatic setting to the most casual street slang. They understand the subtle interplay between this verb and the broader cultural concepts of 'saudade', 'alegria', and 'festa' that define the Lusophone identity. A C2 speaker can write compelling narratives, persuasive essays, or evocative poetry, using the verb to manipulate the reader's emotions with precision. Achieving this level means the word is no longer just a vocabulary item to be translated, but a fully integrated part of the learner's conceptual and emotional framework in Portuguese.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

alegrar en 30 secondes

Means 'to make happy' or 'to cheer up'.
Can be used with a direct object (alegrar alguém).
Can be used reflexively (alegrar-se com algo).
Triggers the subjunctive when expressing joy about others.

The Portuguese verb alegrar is a fundamental lexical item that encapsulates the concept of bringing joy, happiness, or cheer to someone or something. At its core, it represents a transition from a neutral or negative emotional state to a positive one. When you use this verb, you are describing an active process of emotional upliftment. This can apply to a wide variety of subjects and objects. For instance, a person can bring joy to another person, an event can bring joy to a community, or a simple object like a colorful painting can bring joy to a room. The versatility of the verb makes it indispensable for daily communication in both spoken and written Portuguese.

Transitive Usage: When used transitively, it requires a direct object, meaning someone or something is receiving the action of being made happy.

Understanding the nuances of this verb requires looking at its reflexive form as well. When conjugated as alegrar-se, the meaning shifts slightly from making someone else happy to becoming happy oneself. This reflexive usage is incredibly common when expressing personal emotional reactions to news, events, or situations.

A sua visita vai alegrar o meu dia inteiro.

The psychological weight of the word is significant. Unlike words that describe a permanent state of bliss, this verb often highlights a specific moment or catalyst that sparks joy. It is dynamic. It implies movement from sadness or neutrality into brightness. In literature and poetry, the verb is frequently employed to personify nature or inanimate objects. The sun might be described as cheering up the morning, or the rain might be said to cheer up the dry earth. This metaphorical extension demonstrates the deep cultural resonance of the concept of joy in Portuguese-speaking societies.

Reflexive Usage: The reflexive form alegrar-se is followed by prepositions like com or por to indicate the source of the happiness.

Furthermore, the verb is deeply tied to social interactions. In a culture that highly values community, hospitality, and shared experiences, the act of making others happy is a central social virtue.

As crianças costumam alegrar a casa com suas risadas.

Whether it is through music, food, conversation, or simply one's presence, the ability to uplift the spirits of those around you is frequently expressed using this exact verb.

Eu me alegro com o seu sucesso profissional.

It is also worth noting the etymological roots, which trace back to the Latin word alacris, meaning lively or brisk. This historical connection explains why the verb carries connotations not just of quiet contentment, but of active, visible, and energetic joy.

Etymology Connection: The lively nature of the Latin root is preserved in the energetic joy the Portuguese verb conveys.

When learning this word, students should pay attention to how it pairs with different subjects. It is not exclusively used for human emotions.

As flores novas vão alegrar o jardim da frente.

A fresh coat of paint can cheer up a facade, a lively song can cheer up a party, and a good joke can cheer up a tense meeting. This broad applicability makes it a high-frequency word that learners will encounter constantly.

O palhaço tentou alegrar as crianças no hospital.

Mastering its meaning involves recognizing this dynamic, transformative quality that turns the mundane into the vibrant, the sad into the joyful, and the quiet into the lively. It is a word that inherently carries positive energy and reflects the warmth often associated with the Portuguese language and its speakers.

Using the verb alegrar correctly involves mastering both its transitive and reflexive structures, as well as understanding the prepositions that accompany it. In its most straightforward transitive form, the syntax is simply subject + verb + direct object. The subject is the source of the joy, and the direct object is the person or thing receiving the joy. For example, in the sentence 'A música alegra a festa', 'A música' is the subject and 'a festa' is the direct object.

Direct Object Usage: Always ensure the direct object directly follows the verb without a preposition when meaning to make someone or something happy.

This structure is highly versatile and can be used in any tense. In the past tense, you might say 'A notícia alegrou a todos' (The news cheered everyone up).

O presente surpresa conseguiu alegrar a minha mãe.

However, the complexity increases when we introduce the reflexive form, alegrar-se. This form is used when the subject experiences the joy themselves, essentially meaning 'to become happy' or 'to rejoice'. When using the reflexive form, it is crucial to use the correct preposition to indicate the cause of the happiness. The most common prepositions used are 'com' (with) and 'por' (for).

Preposition Com: Use 'com' when the happiness is caused by a thing, an event, or a piece of news. Example: Ele se alegrou com a notícia.

Nós nos alegramos muito com a sua chegada.

Alternatively, 'por' is often used when rejoicing for someone else's sake or because of an action. For example, 'Eu me alegro por você' (I am happy for you). Another important grammatical aspect is the use of the subjunctive mood with this verb. When you express happiness about an action performed by someone else, it triggers the subjunctive in the dependent clause.

Fico feliz e isso me faz alegrar o coração.

For instance, 'Alegra-me que você esteja aqui' (It makes me happy that you are here). Notice how 'esteja' is in the present subjunctive. This is a critical rule for intermediate and advanced learners to master, as verbs of emotion in Portuguese consistently require the subjunctive mood when there is a change of subject between the main clause and the subordinate clause.

Subjunctive Trigger: Expressions like 'Alegra-me que...' must be followed by a verb in the subjunctive mood.

Furthermore, the verb can be used in idiomatic constructions and passive voices, though less commonly.

O ambiente foi alegrado pelas cores vibrantes das paredes.

In informal contexts, especially in Brazil, people might substitute the reflexive form with the construction 'ficar alegre' (to get happy), which carries the exact same meaning but uses the auxiliary verb 'ficar'. Understanding these structural variations allows for much more expressive and accurate communication. Whether you are writing a formal letter expressing your joy at a business partnership or casually telling a friend that their joke made you laugh, knowing how to manipulate the syntax of this verb is essential.

Nada parece alegrar o menino hoje.

Practice combining it with different pronouns, prepositions, and verb moods to fully integrate it into your active vocabulary.

The verb alegrar is ubiquitous across all Portuguese-speaking regions, permeating various facets of daily life, media, and culture. You will hear it frequently in interpersonal communications, particularly when people are expressing gratitude, sharing good news, or commenting on the atmosphere of a gathering. In Brazilian Portuguese, the culture of celebration and sociability makes this verb a staple in conversations about parties, music, and social events.

Musical Contexts: In genres like Samba and Bossa Nova, the verb is constantly used to describe the power of music to lift the spirit.

For example, musicians often talk about how their goal is to cheer up the audience.

O samba tem o poder de alegrar qualquer coração triste.

In European Portuguese, while the culture might be perceived as slightly more reserved, the verb is equally important, often used in polite expressions of pleasure upon receiving guests or good tidings. Beyond casual conversation, the verb is deeply embedded in religious and spiritual contexts. In church services, hymns, and prayers, you will frequently encounter the reflexive form as congregants are encouraged to rejoice.

Vamos nos alegrar neste dia de festa.

Literature and poetry also make extensive use of the word. Classic authors like Machado de Assis or Fernando Pessoa utilize it to explore the human condition, contrasting moments of melancholy with sudden bursts of joy.

Literary Usage: Writers use the verb to create vivid imagery, often personifying nature, such as the morning sun cheering up the landscape.

In modern media, television hosts and radio presenters frequently use the verb to engage their audience, promising that their program will brighten the viewer's day.

O nosso programa de hoje vai alegrar a sua tarde.

Furthermore, in the context of interior design or fashion, the verb is used metaphorically. A bright yellow pillow might be said to cheer up a dark sofa, or a colorful scarf might cheer up a monochromatic outfit. This shows the verb's flexibility in describing aesthetic improvements that evoke positive emotions.

Essas cortinas novas vão alegrar muito a sala de estar.

You will also hear it in sports commentary. When a team scores a much-needed goal, the commentator might exclaim that the goal has cheered up the massive crowd of supporters.

Sports Commentary: Used to describe the collective emotional shift of fans in a stadium after a positive play.

O gol no último minuto serviu para alegrar a torcida apaixonada.

In summary, whether you are listening to a romantic bossa nova track, reading a classic novel, watching a football match, or simply chatting with a neighbor over coffee, this verb is a constant presence, reflecting the language's capacity to articulate the spectrum of human joy and the actions that inspire it.

When learning the verb alegrar, students frequently encounter a few specific stumbling blocks that can hinder their fluency and accuracy. One of the most prevalent mistakes is the confusion between the transitive and reflexive forms. Many learners attempt to use the verb transitively when they actually mean to express their own internal state of happiness.

Missing Reflexive Pronoun: Saying 'Eu alegro com a notícia' is incorrect. It must be 'Eu me alegro com a notícia' because the subject is experiencing the joy.

Forgetting the reflexive pronoun 'me', 'se', or 'nos' completely changes the grammatical structure and leaves the sentence feeling incomplete to a native speaker.

É importante lembrar de dizer: eu me alegro, e não apenas eu alegro.

Another significant area of difficulty involves the choice of prepositions when using the reflexive form. English speakers often want to translate 'happy about' directly, leading to incorrect prepositional choices. Using 'com' is the standard way to link the verb to the source of the happiness.

Ela se alegrou com o resultado, não sobre o resultado.

Furthermore, learners often struggle with the subjunctive mood trigger. As mentioned in the usage section, expressing that something makes you happy that another person did requires the subjunctive.

Ignoring the Subjunctive: Saying 'Alegra-me que você está aqui' is a common error. It should be 'Alegra-me que você esteja aqui'.

Failing to conjugate the subordinate verb into the subjunctive mood is a dead giveaway of a non-native speaker.

O professor tenta alegrar a turma para que eles estudem mais.

Another subtle mistake is confusing the verb with the adjective 'alegre'. While they share the same root, their grammatical functions are entirely different. You cannot say 'Eu sou alegrar' to mean 'I am happy'. You must say 'Eu sou alegre' (I am a happy person) or 'Eu estou alegre' (I am happy right now). Additionally, learners sometimes overuse the verb in contexts where 'ficar feliz' would sound much more natural and conversational. While 'alegrar-se' is grammatically correct, in everyday informal Brazilian Portuguese, saying 'Eu fiquei feliz com a notícia' is often preferred over 'Eu me alegrei com a notícia'.

Over-formality: Using the reflexive form in highly casual settings can sometimes sound a bit stiff or overly literary.

Você não precisa se alegrar artificialmente, seja natural.

Finally, pronunciation mistakes can occur, particularly with the open 'e' sound in the conjugated forms like 'alegra' (ah-LEH-grah). Mispronouncing the stressed syllable can lead to confusion.

A pronúncia correta ajuda a alegrar os ouvidos dos nativos.

By paying close attention to reflexivity, prepositions, mood triggers, and appropriate register, learners can avoid these common pitfalls and use the verb with confidence and precision.

The Portuguese language is rich in vocabulary related to emotions, and the verb alegrar exists within a vibrant ecosystem of synonyms and related terms. Understanding these similar words is crucial for developing a nuanced and expressive vocabulary, allowing you to choose the exact word that fits the context, intensity, and register of your message.

Animar: Animar translates to 'to cheer up' or 'to encourage'. It implies giving energy or motivation, often used when someone is feeling down or lethargic.

While alegrar focuses purely on the emotion of joy, animar has a stronger connotation of physical or mental activation.

A música animou a festa, mas a comida conseguiu alegrar os convidados.

Another closely related verb is contentar, which means to satisfy or to make content. If you give a child a basic toy, it might contentar them, but giving them their favorite toy will alegrar them.

Não basta apenas contentar o cliente, é preciso alegrar o seu dia.

For more formal or literary contexts, the verb regozijar is an excellent synonym. It means to rejoice or to be filled with great joy.

Regozijar: This is a highly elevated term, often found in religious texts or classic literature, expressing a profound, almost spiritual joy.

You would rarely use regozijar in a casual conversation about a good cup of coffee, but you might use it to describe the feeling of a nation after a war ends.

O povo se regozijou com a paz, um sentimento que conseguiu alegrar a nação.

Entusiasmar is another related verb, meaning to enthuse or to excite. This word is heavily focused on anticipation and passion rather than just pure happiness.

O novo projeto entusiasmou a equipe e ajudou a alegrar o ambiente de trabalho.

Finally, the expression 'fazer feliz' (to make happy) is the most direct and common alternative. It is highly analytical and perfectly synonymous in most contexts.

Fazer Feliz: This phrase is extremely common in everyday speech and serves as a direct, slightly more colloquial substitute for the transitive use of the main verb.

Meu objetivo é te fazer feliz e alegrar a sua vida.

By mastering these subtle distinctions between animar, contentar, regozijar, entusiasmar, and fazer feliz, you elevate your Portuguese from basic communication to sophisticated expression, allowing you to paint a much more accurate picture of the emotional landscape you are describing.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Informel

Argot

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

A música alegra a festa.

The music cheers up the party.

Present tense, third person singular. Direct object 'a festa'.

O cachorro alegra o menino.

The dog makes the boy happy.

Present tense, third person singular. Direct object 'o menino'.

Eu alegro a minha mãe.

I make my mother happy.

Present tense, first person singular. Direct object 'a minha mãe'.

O sol alegra o dia.

The sun brightens the day.

Present tense, third person singular. Metaphorical use.

Nós alegramos a casa.

We cheer up the house.

Present tense, first person plural.

O presente alegra a menina.

The gift makes the girl happy.

Present tense, third person singular.

Você alegra o meu coração.

You make my heart happy.

Present tense, second person singular (informal).

As flores alegram a mesa.

The flowers cheer up the table.

Present tense, third person plural.

A notícia alegrou a todos na sala.

The news cheered everyone up in the room.

Preterite perfect tense. Completed action in the past.

Eu me alegro com a sua visita.

I am happy with your visit.

Reflexive form in the present tense with preposition 'com'.

O palhaço tentou alegrar as crianças.

The clown tried to cheer up the children.

Infinitive form following the verb 'tentar'.

Ela se alegrou muito com o resultado do teste.

She became very happy with the test result.

Reflexive form in the preterite perfect.

Nós vamos alegrar a festa com muita comida.

We are going to cheer up the party with lots of food.

Future construction using 'ir' + infinitive.

O bom tempo alegrou os turistas.

The good weather cheered up the tourists.

Preterite perfect tense. Subject is an inanimate concept.

Eles se alegram com pequenas coisas.

They are happy with small things.

Reflexive form, third person plural, present tense.

A sua mensagem me alegrou bastante.

Your message cheered me up a lot.

Preterite perfect with a direct object pronoun 'me'.

Fico feliz que a minha carta te alegre.

I am happy that my letter cheers you up.

Present subjunctive 'alegre' triggered by 'Fico feliz que'.

Antigamente, a avó sempre alegrava a casa aos domingos.

In the past, the grandmother always cheered up the house on Sundays.

Imperfect tense indicating a habitual past action.

É importante que você se alegre com as suas conquistas.

It is important that you are happy with your achievements.

Present subjunctive in the reflexive form.

Se o tempo melhorar, isso vai alegrar a nossa viagem.

If the weather improves, that will cheer up our trip.

Infinitive used in a future conditional context.

Eu me alegrava muito quando brincava na rua.

I used to be very happy when I played in the street.

Reflexive imperfect tense for a past ongoing state.

Espero que esta surpresa a alegre.

I hope this surprise cheers her up.

Present subjunctive with direct object pronoun 'a'.

O professor usava piadas para alegrar a aula.

The teacher used jokes to cheer up the class.

Infinitive expressing purpose after 'para'.

Eles se alegraram por terem passado no exame.

They rejoiced for having passed the exam.

Reflexive preterite followed by 'por' + personal infinitive.

O ambiente foi alegrado pelas cores vibrantes das novas pinturas.

The environment was cheered up by the vibrant colors of the new paintings.

Passive voice construction using 'foi alegrado'.

Embora a situação fosse difícil, ele tentava alegrar os colegas.

Although the situation was difficult, he tried to cheer up his colleagues.

Infinitive used within a complex concessive clause.

Alegra-me imenso saber que o projeto foi um sucesso.

It pleases me immensely to know that the project was a success.

Formal structure 'Alegra-me' followed by an infinitive clause.

Se a notícia nos alegrasse, teríamos comemorado ontem.

If the news had cheered us up, we would have celebrated yesterday.

Imperfect subjunctive 'alegrasse' in a past conditional sentence.

É fundamental encontrar atividades que te alegrem genuinamente.

It is fundamental to find activities that genuinely cheer you up.

Present subjunctive in a relative clause expressing a requirement.

A equipe alegrou-se com a perspectiva de um bônus no final do ano.

The team rejoiced at the prospect of a year-end bonus.

Reflexive preterite used with abstract nouns.

Não havia nada naquela sala sombria que pudesse alegrar o prisioneiro.

There was nothing in that gloomy room that could cheer up the prisoner.

Infinitive following the imperfect subjunctive 'pudesse'.

O comediante tem o dom de alegrar até as plateias mais exigentes.

The comedian has the gift of cheering up even the most demanding audiences.

Infinitive used as the complement of a noun phrase ('o dom de').

A retórica do líder político visava alegrar as massas descontentes, prometendo reformas irreais.

The political leader's rhetoric aimed to cheer up the discontented masses, promising unrealistic reforms.

Infinitive expressing purpose in a formal, analytical context.

Por mais que a melodia o alegrasse, a letra da canção trazia-lhe uma profunda melancolia.

As much as the melody cheered him up, the song's lyrics brought him a profound melancholy.

Imperfect subjunctive in a concessive clause ('Por mais que').

Alegrou-se sobremaneira ao constatar que os seus esforços não haviam sido em vão.

He rejoiced exceedingly upon realizing that his efforts had not been in vain.

Highly formal reflexive usage with the adverb 'sobremaneira'.

A chegada da primavera, com o seu renascimento vibrante, é capaz de alegrar o espírito mais taciturno.

The arrival of spring, with its vibrant rebirth, is capable of cheering up the most taciturn spirit.

Poetic and elevated vocabulary surrounding the infinitive.

Cumpria-lhe o dever de alegrar a corte, função que exercia com um misto de talento e cinismo.

It was his duty to cheer up the court, a function he exercised with a mix of talent and cynicism.

Literary construction 'Cumpria-lhe o dever de'.

Não creio que uma medida tão superficial alegre os investidores a longo prazo.

I do not believe that such a superficial measure will cheer up investors in the long term.

Present subjunctive triggered by a negative expression of belief.

Tendo alegrado a multidão com a sua performance, o artista retirou-se discretamente.

Having cheered up the crowd with his performance, the artist withdrew discreetly.

Gerund form used in an absolute clause.

A perspectiva de uma resolução pacífica do conflito alegrou a comunidade internacional.

The prospect of a peaceful resolution to the conflict cheered up the international community.

Preterite tense used in a formal journalistic register.

A prosa machadiana, ainda que permeada de pessimismo, consegue alegrar o leitor atento com a sua ironia fina.

Machadian prose, although permeated with pessimism, manages to cheer up the attentive reader with its fine irony.

Infinitive used in literary criticism context.

Alegremo-nos, pois, com as pequenas vitórias, já que as grandes nos escapam pela complexidade do destino.

Let us rejoice, then, with the small victories, since the great ones escape us due to the complexity of destiny.

First person plural imperative in the reflexive form.

Era uma daquelas almas raras cuja simples presença bastava para alegrar os recônditos mais sombrios da casa.

It was one of those rare souls whose simple presence was enough to cheer up the darkest corners of the house.

Infinitive following 'bastava para' in a highly poetic sentence.

Que os deuses o alegrem, visto que os homens falharam miseravelmente nessa tarefa.

May the gods cheer him up, seeing that men have failed miserably in that task.

Present subjunctive used to express a wish or command (optative).

A efêmera ilusão de poder alegrou-o por um instante, antes que a dura realidade se impusesse.

The ephemeral illusion of power cheered him up for an instant, before harsh reality imposed itself.

Preterite perfect with an enclitic pronoun in a complex narrative.

Jamais supus que um tratado de filosofia pudesse alegrar-me de forma tão contundente.

I never supposed that a philosophy treatise could cheer me up in such a striking way.

Imperfect subjunctive followed by an infinitive with enclisis.

Alegrava-se com a desgraça alheia, um traço de caráter que o tornava repulsivo aos olhos da sociedade.

He rejoiced in the misfortune of others, a character trait that made him repulsive in the eyes of society.

Reflexive imperfect used to describe a deep psychological flaw (Schadenfreude).

O espetáculo, concebido para chocar, acabou por alegrar a vanguarda intelectual da época.

The spectacle, conceived to shock, ended up cheering up the intellectual vanguard of the time.

Infinitive following the verbal periphrasis 'acabou por'.

Collocations courantes

alegrar o dia

alegrar o coração

alegrar o ambiente

alegrar a festa

alegrar a vida

alegrar-se com a notícia

alegrar-se profundamente

alegrar a alma

alegrar os olhos

alegrar a multidão

Phrases Courantes

Isso vai alegrar o seu dia.

Só para te alegrar.

Nada parece alegrar.

Vamos nos alegrar!

Alegra-me saber que...

O que te alegra?

Tentando alegrar o ambiente.

Alegrou a todos.

Me alegro muito por você.

Música para alegrar a alma.

Souvent confondu avec

alegrar vs alegre (adjective meaning happy)

alegrar vs alegria (noun meaning happiness)

alegrar vs animar (verb meaning to cheer up/encourage)

Expressions idiomatiques

Facile à confondre

alegrar vs

Structures de phrases

Comment l'utiliser

preposition por

Use 'por' when happy for someone's sake: 'Me alegro por você' (I'm happy for you).

adjective confusion

Do not use 'alegrar' as an adjective. Use 'alegre'.

reflexive vs transitive

Crucial distinction: 'Alegro a Maria' (I make Maria happy). 'Me alegro com a Maria' (I am happy because of Maria).

Erreurs courantes

Forgetting the reflexive pronoun when saying 'I became happy' (saying 'Eu alegro' instead of 'Eu me alegro').
Using the preposition 'sobre' instead of 'com' (saying 'Me alegro sobre isso' instead of 'Me alegro com isso').
Failing to use the subjunctive after 'Alegra-me que' (saying 'Alegra-me que você está aqui' instead of 'esteja').
Confusing the verb 'alegrar' with the adjective 'alegre' (saying 'Eu sou alegrar').
Using 'alegrar' with an indirect object pronoun incorrectly (saying 'Lhe alegro' instead of 'O alegro' in standard grammar).

Astuces

Reflexive Rule

Always double-check if the subject is receiving the joy. If yes, you must use a reflexive pronoun (me, se, nos).

Open E Sound

In the present tense forms 'alegro', 'alegra', and 'alegram', the first 'e' has an open sound, like the 'e' in the English word 'pet'.

Word Families

Learn 'alegrar' alongside 'alegre' (adjective) and 'alegria' (noun) to rapidly expand your emotional vocabulary.

Preposition 'Com'

When translating 'happy about', resist the urge to use 'sobre'. In Portuguese, we use 'com': alegrar-se com.

Subjunctive Alert

Memorize the phrase 'Alegra-me que...' as a trigger for the present subjunctive. It's a great way to sound advanced.

Brazilian Casual

In casual Brazilian chats, swap 'eu me alegro' for 'eu fico feliz' to sound more like a local.

Descriptive Writing

Use 'alegrar' to describe how colors, light, or music change the atmosphere of a room in your essays.

Music Lyrics

Listen to Samba or Bossa Nova; you will hear 'alegrar' constantly. It will help cement the word in your memory.

Animar vs Alegrar

Use 'animar' when someone needs energy, and 'alegrar' when someone needs pure happiness.

Direct Objects

Remember that the transitive form does not take a preposition. It's 'alegrar a festa', not 'alegrar para a festa'.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'ALLEGRO' in music, which means to play at a brisk, lively, and happy tempo. 'Alegrar' is to bring that 'allegro' feeling to someone's life.

Origine du mot

Contexte culturel

A staple word in Samba, Pagode, and Fado lyrics, often contrasting with 'tristeza' (sadness).

Highly common in everyday speech. Often replaced by 'ficar feliz' in informal settings for the reflexive form.

Used frequently in both formal and informal contexts. The reflexive form 'alegrar-se' is more common in daily speech than in Brazil.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"O que costuma alegrar o seu dia quando você está triste?"

"Qual foi a última notícia que te alegrou muito?"

"Você acha que a música tem o poder de alegrar qualquer ambiente?"

"Como você tenta alegrar um amigo que está passando por um momento difícil?"

"Qual é a sua lembrança de infância que mais te alegra?"

Sujets d'écriture

Escreva sobre uma pessoa que sempre consegue alegrar a sua vida.

Descreva um evento recente que alegrou a sua comunidade.

Como as cores de um ambiente podem alegrar ou entristecer as pessoas?

Escreva uma carta para alguém com o objetivo de alegrar o dia dessa pessoa.

Reflita sobre a diferença entre 'contentar-se' e 'alegrar-se'.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

'Alegrar' is a verb meaning to make someone happy or to become happy. 'Alegre' is an adjective meaning happy or joyful. You use the verb for the action, and the adjective for the state. For example, 'A música vai alegrar a festa' (verb) vs 'A festa está alegre' (adjective).

No. You only use the reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos) when the subject is the one becoming happy. If the subject is making someone else happy, you do not use it. 'Eu me alegro' means I become happy. 'Eu alegro você' means I make you happy.

The most common preposition is 'com'. You use it to indicate what is causing the happiness, like 'Me alegro com a notícia' (I am happy with the news). You can also use 'por' when you are happy for someone, like 'Me alegro por você' (I am happy for you).

Yes, when you use it to express that something makes you happy about another person's action. For example, 'Alegra-me que você estude' (It makes me happy that you study). The verb 'estudar' must be in the subjunctive mood.

You can absolutely use it for things! It is very common to say that an object or an event cheers up a place. For example, 'As flores alegram a sala' (The flowers cheer up the room). It is a great way to describe aesthetic improvements.

It is a neutral word, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very informal Brazilian Portuguese, people often prefer to say 'ficar feliz' (to get happy) instead of the reflexive 'alegrar-se'.

The noun form is 'alegria', which translates to joy or happiness. For example, 'A alegria das crianças' means the joy of the children. It is a very common and important word in Portuguese.

It is a regular -ar verb. Eu alegro, tu alegras, ele/ela/você alegra, nós alegramos, vós alegrais, eles/elas/vocês alegram. Notice the open 'e' sound in the stressed syllables (a-LÉ-gro).

In some slang contexts, the adjective 'alegre' can mean slightly tipsy or buzzed. Consequently, 'alegrar-se' can sometimes playfully imply drinking to get a bit tipsy, but its primary and most common meaning is simply to become happy.

A great synonym is 'animar', which also means to cheer up. Another option is the phrase 'fazer feliz' (to make happy). For more formal contexts, you could use 'regozijar'.

Teste-toi 200 questions

writing

Write a simple sentence saying that the music cheers up the party.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Subject + verb in 3rd person singular + direct object.