At the A1 level, you should focus on the basic idea that 'yusarru' means 'to be happy' or 'to be pleased.' Think of it as a fancy way to say someone is smiling inside. You will mostly see it in simple sentences like 'The boy is happy with the gift.' Even though it's a bit more advanced than 'farhan,' knowing it early helps you understand formal greetings and simple news. Just remember: it's a feeling that comes from something else happening, like getting a good grade or seeing a friend. You don't need to worry about the complex grammar yet; just recognize the sound 'yusarru' as a positive emotion.
At the A2 level, you can start using 'yusarru' in your own sentences. This is the level where you learn to connect the feeling to a cause using the preposition 'bi.' For example, you can say 'I am delighted with the food' or 'He is delighted with the weather.' You should also learn the female version, 'tusarru.' At this stage, you are beginning to differentiate between 'happy' (farhan) and 'delighted' (yusarru). Use 'yusarru' when you want to sound a little more polite or when you are talking about something meaningful, like a family visit or a successful project at school.
By B1, you should be comfortable using 'yusarru' in both the present and past tense ('surira'). You should also be able to use it with 'an' to follow it with another verb, such as 'I am delighted to help you.' This level requires you to understand the nuance of the word—that it implies a genuine, internal pleasure. You might start seeing it in short stories or simple news articles. You should also be aware of the noun form 'surur' (happiness/delight) and how it relates to the verb. Practice using it in letters or emails to sound more professional and sincere.
At the B2 level, you should understand the deeper linguistic roots of the word. You know that 'yusarru' comes from the root for 'secret,' implying a joy that touches the heart's core. You can use it in more complex grammatical structures and understand its role in formal speeches or literary texts. You should be able to distinguish it from similar verbs like 'yabtahiju' (to rejoice) or 'yaghtabitu' (to be envious in a good way/be happy for someone). Your usage should feel natural, appearing in contexts where a refined expression of pleasure is appropriate, such as academic success or professional achievements.
At the C1 level, you are exploring the stylistic uses of 'yusarru.' You can identify it in classical poetry and understand how it contributes to the tone of a piece of writing. You understand the passive construction perfectly and can use it to shift focus from the cause of the joy to the person experiencing it. You are also familiar with idiomatic expressions involving the root S-R-R. You can use the verb to express subtle shades of emotion, such as being 'quietly delighted' or 'formally pleased.' Your vocabulary is rich enough to choose 'yusarru' specifically when you want to convey a sense of dignified and sincere happiness.
At the C2 level, you have a complete grasp of the verb's historical and cultural weight. You can use it with total precision in any context, from high-level diplomatic discourse to classical literary analysis. You understand how the passive form 'yusarru' interacts with various rhetorical devices in Arabic. You can explain the theological and philosophical implications of 'surur' in classical texts. For you, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a tool for precise emotional and stylistic expression, allowing you to navigate the most sophisticated levels of Arabic communication with ease and elegance.

يُسر in 30 Seconds

  • A formal Arabic verb meaning 'to be delighted' or 'pleased'.
  • Derived from the root S-R-R, associated with secrets and inner joy.
  • Commonly used in the passive voice (yusarru) with the preposition 'bi'.
  • Suitable for formal news, literature, and polite social interactions.

The Arabic verb يُسَرُّ (yusarru), derived from the root s-r-r (س-ر-ر), is a beautiful and nuanced way to express the state of being delighted, pleased, or filled with joy. Unlike simple happiness, which might be fleeting, this verb often implies a deep, internal satisfaction that radiates outward. It is technically the passive form of the verb sarra (to please), so literally, it translates to 'to be made happy' or 'to be gladdened.' In everyday conversation and literature, it is the go-to term for expressing genuine pleasure upon receiving good news, meeting a dear friend, or witnessing a successful outcome.

Grammatical State
This verb is primarily used in the passive voice (Majhul) to describe the person experiencing the emotion. You will almost always see it followed by the preposition 'bi' (بـ) to indicate the cause of the delight.
Social Nuance
Using this word conveys a level of refinement and sincerity. It is more formal than 'mabsut' (happy) but less archaic than some poetic synonyms, making it perfect for both polite social circles and professional correspondence.

يُسَرُّ الأبُ بِنَجاحِ ابْنِهِ في الامْتِحاناتِ.
(The father is delighted by his son's success in the exams.)

When you use يُسَرُّ, you are tapping into a root system that also gives us the word sirr (secret). This linguistic connection suggests that the delight described is something that touches the 'secret' or innermost part of the heart. It is a profound joy that isn't just a surface-level smile but a deep-seated feeling of contentment. Whether you are writing a formal thank-you note or describing a character's reaction in a story, this verb provides a rich texture to your Arabic expression.

يُسَرُّ المُسافِرُ عِنْدَ العَوْدَةِ إلى وَطَنِهِ.
(The traveler is delighted upon returning to his homeland.)

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Standard Arabic (Fusha). It is rarely heard in very casual street dialects, which prefer 'yifrah' or 'yimbasit'.

Mastering the use of يُسَرُّ involves understanding its relationship with prepositions and its placement in a sentence. Typically, the sentence structure follows the pattern: [Verb] + [Subject] + [Preposition 'bi'] + [Object of delight]. This structure is consistent across various contexts, whether you are discussing personal achievements, social events, or abstract concepts like peace and justice.

يُسَرُّ المُديرُ بِأداءِ المُوَظَّفينَ الجَدِيدِ.
(The manager is pleased with the new employees' performance.)

In more complex sentences, you might use 'an' (أَنْ) followed by another verb to describe an action that causes the delight. For example, 'He is delighted to see you' would be yusarru an yaraka. This allows for a more dynamic range of expression, moving beyond simple nouns to full actions and events.

Common Preposition
The letter 'Ba' (بـ) is the most frequent companion to this verb. It acts as the bridge between the feeling and the cause.

تُسَرُّ العائِلَةُ بِاجْتِماعِها في العِيدِ.
(The family is delighted by their gathering during Eid.)

You will encounter يُسَرُّ in a variety of formal and semi-formal settings. It is a staple of Arabic news broadcasts, especially when reporting on diplomatic visits or positive national developments. For instance, a news anchor might say, 'The President was delighted by the warm reception.' It is also frequently found in literature, from classical poetry to modern novels, used to describe the internal states of characters.

يُسَرُّ الكاتِبُ بِتَلَقِّي رَسائِلِ القُرَّاءِ.
(The author is delighted to receive letters from readers.)

In the corporate world, this verb is used in formal emails and announcements. If a company reaches a milestone, the official statement might begin with 'The management is delighted to announce...' (yusarru al-idara an tu'lina...). This gives the announcement a professional yet warm tone. Furthermore, in religious contexts, the root is used to describe the joys of the afterlife or the happiness of the righteous, giving the word a spiritual dimension that English 'delighted' sometimes lacks.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing the active and passive forms. يَسُرُّ (yasurru) means 'to please' (someone else), while يُسَرُّ (yusarru) means 'to be pleased' (oneself). If you say 'Ana asurru' when you mean 'I am happy,' you are actually saying 'I please [someone],' which requires an object and sounds very strange without one.

Preposition Errors
Learners often try to use 'ma'a' (with) instead of 'bi' (by/with). While 'with' works in English, in Arabic, 'yusarru ma'a' would imply being happy while physically being with someone, rather than being delighted *because* of something.

Another mistake is overusing it in very casual settings. If you are hanging out with friends and someone tells a joke, saying 'yusarru' might sound a bit too stiff or overly dramatic. In those cases, 'ana farhan' or 'ana mabsut' are much more natural. Save 'yusarru' for moments that warrant a bit more linguistic gravitas.

Arabic has a rich vocabulary for happiness, and choosing the right word depends on the intensity and context of the emotion. يُسَرُّ sits in the middle of the spectrum—more intense than simple satisfaction but less overwhelming than ecstatic joy.

يَفْرَحُ (Yafrahu)
This is the general word for 'to be happy.' It is more common in daily speech and covers a wide range of positive emotions.
يَبْتَهِجُ (Yabtahiju)
This means 'to rejoice' or 'to be jubilant.' It implies a more visible, celebratory kind of joy, often involving laughter or outward expression.
يَسْتَمْتِعُ (Yastamti'u)
This means 'to enjoy.' Use this when you are actively engaging in an activity that brings pleasure, like eating a meal or watching a movie.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"يُسَرُّ مَجْلِسُ الإِدارَةِ بِدَعْوَتِكُمْ."

Neutral

"يُسَرُّ الطالِبُ بِنَتِيجَتِهِ."

Informal

"كُلُّنا سُرِرْنا بِالخَبَرِ."

Child friendly

"الأَرْنَبُ يُسَرُّ بِالجَزَرِ."

Slang

"N/A (This is a formal verb; slang uses 'mabsut' or 'tayer min al-farha')."

Fun Fact

The words for 'secret' (sirr) and 'happiness' (surur) share the same root because Arabic philosophy views true joy as an internal, hidden state of the heart.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /jʊ.sar.ru/
US /ju.sɑːr.ru/
The stress is on the second syllable 'sar' due to the geminated (double) 'r'.
Rhymes With
مَمَرُّ (mamarru) مُسْتَمِرُّ (mustamirru) يَقَرُّ (yaqarru) حُرُّ (hurru) يَمُرُّ (yamurru) يَغُرُّ (yaghurru) مُضِرُّ (mudirru) يَسُرُّ (yasurru)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing it 'yasurru' (active) instead of 'yusarru' (passive).
  • Failing to roll the 'r'.
  • Pronouncing the 'u' as a long 'oo' sound.
  • Missing the shadda on the 'r'.
  • Confusing it with 'yusirru' (to insist).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize once the root is known, but requires understanding passive markers.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct preposition usage (bi) and matching gender/number.

Speaking 4/5

The shadda on the 'r' and the passive 'u' start can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 3/5

Clearly distinguishable in formal speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

فَرِحَ سَعِيد بِـ مِنْ خَبَر

Learn Next

يَبْتَهِجُ يَغْتَبِطُ مَسَرَّة اِنْشِراح تَهَلَّلَ

Advanced

السَّرائِر الاِسْتِبْشار الحُبُور الجَذَل الاِغْتِباط

Grammar to Know

Passive Voice (Al-Fi'l al-Majhul)

يُسَرُّ (It is gladdened) vs يَسُرُّ (It gladdens).

Prepositional Linkage

The verb 'yusarru' almost always requires 'bi' (بـ) to link to its cause.

Subject-Verb Agreement

تُسَرُّ (f) for 'Al-bintu', يُسَرُّ (m) for 'Al-waladu'.

Verbal Noun (Masdar) as Object

يُسَرُّ بِـ + رُؤْيَةِ (delighted by the seeing of...).

Sentence with 'An'

يُسَرُّ أَنْ + Present Tense Verb (Delighted to [do something]).

Examples by Level

1

يُسَرُّ الوَلَدُ بِاللُّعْبَةِ.

The boy is delighted with the toy.

Simple subject-verb-preposition structure.

2

تُسَرُّ البِنْتُ بِالقِطَّةِ.

The girl is delighted with the cat.

Female subject 'tusarru'.

3

يُسَرُّ الطَّالِبُ بِالقَلَمِ.

The student is delighted with the pen.

The preposition 'bi' connects the delight to the object.

4

تُسَرُّ الأُمُّ بِالزَّهْرَةِ.

The mother is delighted with the flower.

Use 'al-' with nouns after 'bi'.

5

يُسَرُّ الرَّجُلُ بِالسَّيَّارَةِ.

The man is delighted with the car.

Passive verb 'yusarru' used for a male subject.

6

تُسَرُّ المعلمة بالهدية.

The teacher is delighted with the gift.

Note the 'bi' attached to 'al-hadiya'.

7

يُسَرُّ الطِّفْلُ بِالحَلِيْبِ.

The baby is delighted with the milk.

Simple present passive.

8

تُسَرُّ الجَدَّةُ بِالحَفِيْدِ.

The grandmother is delighted with the grandson.

Common social context.

1

يُسَرُّ المُسافِرُ بِرُؤْيَةِ عائِلَتِهِ.

The traveler is delighted to see his family.

Using a verbal noun (masdar) after 'bi'.

2

تُسَرُّ الطالِبَةُ بِنَجاحِها.

The student (f) is delighted with her success.

Possessive suffix 'ha' attached to the cause of delight.

3

يُسَرُّ الجارُ بِالحَدِيقَةِ الجَمِيلَةِ.

The neighbor is delighted with the beautiful garden.

Adjective 'jamila' follows the noun 'hadiqa'.

4

يُسَرُّ الطَّباخُ بِإِعْجابِ النَّاسِ بِطَعامِهِ.

The chef is delighted by people's admiration of his food.

Double use of 'bi' for different purposes.

5

تُسَرُّ المَرْأَةُ بِشِراءِ ثَوْبٍ جَدِيدٍ.

The woman is delighted to buy a new dress.

Verbal noun 'shira' (buying) used as the cause.

6

يُسَرُّ المُدَرِّبُ بِفَوْزِ الفَرِيقِ.

The coach is delighted by the team's victory.

Genitive construction 'fawz al-fariq'.

7

تُسَرُّ الفَتَاةُ بِمَدِيحِ أُسْتَاذِهَا.

The girl is delighted by her teacher's praise.

Abstract noun 'madih' (praise).

8

يُسَرُّ السَّائِحُ بِالجَوِّ المعتدلِ.

The tourist is delighted with the mild weather.

Describing a state of nature.

1

يُسَرُّ المُدِيرُ أَنْ يَرَى التَّقَدُّمَ فِي المَشْرُوعِ.

The manager is delighted to see progress in the project.

Use of 'an' + present verb to express the cause.

2

سُرِرْتُ كَثِيرًا بِدَعْوَتِكُمْ الكَرِيمَةِ.

I was very delighted by your kind invitation.

Past passive 'surirtu' (I was delighted).

3

تُسَرُّ الإِدارَةُ بِتَقْدِيمِ خِدْماتٍ جَدِيدَةٍ.

The management is delighted to provide new services.

Formal corporate usage.

4

يُسَرُّ المُؤَلِّفُ بِصُدُورِ كِتابِهِ الأَوَّلِ.

The author is delighted by the publication of his first book.

Specific vocabulary 'sudur' (publication/issuance).

5

سُرَّ الجَمِيعُ بِالأَخْبارِ السَّارَّةِ التي وَصَلَتْ.

Everyone was delighted by the good news that arrived.

Note the relation between 'surra' and 'sarra' (good news).

6

تُسَرُّ العَرُوسُ بِحُضُورِ صَدِيقاتِها.

The bride is delighted by her friends' attendance.

Social context of a wedding.

7

يُسَرُّ العالِمُ بِاكْتِشافِ حَقِيقَةٍ جَدِيدَةٍ.

The scientist is delighted to discover a new truth.

Academic context.

8

يُسَرُّ المُواطِنُونَ بِتَحَسُّنِ الاِقْتِصادِ.

Citizens are delighted by the improvement of the economy.

Plural subject with 'yusarru'.

1

يُسَرُّ القَلْبُ لِرُؤْيَةِ السَّلامِ يَعُمُّ المَنْطِقَةَ.

The heart is delighted to see peace prevailing in the region.

Metaphorical use of 'the heart' as the subject.

2

سُرَّ القائِدُ بِشَجاعَةِ جُنُودِهِ فِي المَعْرَكَةِ.

The leader was delighted by the bravery of his soldiers in the battle.

Historical/Military context.

3

تُسَرُّ النَّفْسُ بِذِكْرِ الذِّكْرَياتِ الجَمِيلَةِ.

The soul is delighted by the mention of beautiful memories.

Reflexive/Spiritual subject 'an-nafs'.

4

يُسَرُّ الباحِثُ عِنْدَما تَأْتِي النَّتائِجُ مُطابِقَةً لِتَوَقُّعاتِهِ.

The researcher is delighted when the results match his expectations.

Conditional context using 'indama'.

5

سُرِرْنا أَيَّما سُرُورٍ بِلِقائِكُم بَعْدَ طُولِ غِيابٍ.

We were extremely delighted to meet you after a long absence.

Emphasis using 'ayyama surur' (absolute object).

6

تُسَرُّ العَيْنُ بِمَناظِرِ الطَّبِيعَةِ الخَلَّابَةِ.

The eye is delighted by the breathtaking natural scenery.

Synecdoche (the eye representing the person).

7

يُسَرُّ المُثَقَّفُ بِتَبادُلِ الآراءِ مَعَ الآخَرِينَ.

The intellectual is delighted to exchange views with others.

Intellectual/Social context.

8

سُرَّتِ المُنَظَّمَةُ بِتَحْقِيقِ أَهْدافِها الإِنْسانِيَّةِ.

The organization was delighted to achieve its humanitarian goals.

Institutional subject.

1

يُسَرُّ المَرْءُ بِإِنْجازٍ تَعِبَ فِيهِ طَوِيلًا.

One is delighted by an achievement for which one has toiled long.

Generic subject 'al-mar' (one/a person).

2

لَقَدْ سُرَّ الخاطِرُ بِهَذا النَّبَأِ اليَقِينِ.

The mind/heart was truly delighted by this certain news.

Use of 'al-khatir' (the mind/thought/heart).

3

يُسَرُّ أَهْلُ الفَضْلِ بِانْتِشارِ العِلْمِ وَالأَدَبِ.

People of virtue are delighted by the spread of knowledge and literature.

High-level social descriptor 'ahl al-fadl'.

4

سُرَّتِ السَّرائِرُ بِنِعْمَةِ الأَمْنِ وَالأَمانِ.

The inner souls were delighted by the blessing of safety and security.

Plural of 'sirr' (secret/inner soul).

5

يُسَرُّ الحَكِيمُ بِرُؤْيَةِ ثِمارِ حِكْمَتِهِ فِي الآخَرِينَ.

The wise man is delighted to see the fruits of his wisdom in others.

Philosophical context.

6

سُرَّ الفُؤادُ بِلَحْنٍ يُذَكِّرُهُ بِأَيَّامِ الصِّبا.

The heart was delighted by a melody that reminded it of childhood days.

Poetic subject 'al-fu'ad'.

7

يُسَرُّ النُّبَلاءُ بِقَضاءِ حَوائِجِ النَّاسِ.

The noble are delighted by fulfilling the needs of people.

Ethical/Moral context.

8

سُرَّتِ المَسامِعُ بِكَلامٍ طَيِّبٍ لا لَغْوَ فِيهِ.

The ears were delighted by good speech with no idle talk in it.

Metaphorical use of 'ears'.

1

يُسَرُّ ذَوُو الأَلْبابِ بِتَجَلِّي الحَقائِقِ الكَوْنِيَّةِ.

Those of understanding are delighted by the manifestation of cosmic truths.

Classical term 'dhawu al-albab' (people of intellect).

2

سُرَّتِ العالَمِيَّةُ بِهَذا الاِكْتِشافِ الذي سَيُغَيِّرُ مَجْرَى التَّارِيخِ.

The global community was delighted by this discovery that will change history.

Abstract institutional subject.

3

يُسَرُّ الوِجْدانُ حِينَ تَتَناغَمُ الرُّوحُ مَعَ الطَّبِيعَةِ.

The conscience/inner self is delighted when the soul harmonizes with nature.

Psychological/Philosophical term 'al-wijdan'.

4

سُرَّتِ الأُمَّةُ بِانْبِثاقِ فَجْرٍ جَدِيدٍ مِنَ الحُرِّيَّةِ.

The nation was delighted by the emergence of a new dawn of freedom.

Metaphorical/Political context.

5

يُسَرُّ اللُّغَوِيُّ بِإِيجادِ لَفْظَةٍ تُعَبِّرُ عَنْ مَعْنًى دَقِيقٍ.

The linguist is delighted to find a word that expresses a precise meaning.

Professional meta-context.

6

سُرَّتِ الضَّمائِرُ بِإِحقاقِ الحَقِّ وَإِزْهَاقِ الباطِلِ.

Consciences were delighted by the establishment of truth and the perishing of falsehood.

Moral/Legal absolute terminology.

7

يُسَرُّ المُتَصَوِّفُ بِحالاتِ الكَشْفِ وَالتَّجَلِّي.

The mystic is delighted by states of unveiling and manifestation.

Spiritual/Mystical context.

8

سُرَّتِ الأَقْلامُ بِتَسْطِيرِ مَلاحِمِ البُطُولَةِ.

The pens were delighted to record epics of heroism.

Literary personification.

Common Collocations

يُسرُّ بِاللِّقاءِ
يُسرُّ بِالنَّجاحِ
يُسرُّ بِالخَبَرِ
يُسرُّ أَنْ يَعْلَمَ
يُسرُّ بِرُؤْيَةِ
يُسرُّ لِلْغايَةِ
يُسرُّ بِالهَدِيَّةِ
يُسرُّ بِالزِّيارَةِ
يُسرُّ بِالقَبُولِ
يُسرُّ بِالإِنْجازِ

Common Phrases

سُرِرْتُ بِلِقائِكَ

— I am delighted to meet you. Used as a formal greeting.

أَهْلًا بِكَ، سُرِرْتُ بِلِقائِكَ.

يُسرُّنِي أَنْ أُخْبِرَكَ

— It delights me to inform you. Used in formal correspondence.

يُسرُّنِي أَنْ أُخْبِرَكَ بِقَبُولِ طَلَبِكَ.

يُسرُّ بِه القَلْبُ

— The heart is delighted by it. Used for something deeply moving.

مَنْظَرٌ يُسرُّ بِهِ القَلْبُ.

سُرَّتِ العَيْنُ

— The eye was delighted. Used for beautiful sights.

سُرَّتِ العَيْنُ بِجَمالِ الطَّبِيعَةِ.

مِمَّا يُسرُّ لَهُ

— Something that is cause for delight.

هذا خَبَرٌ مِمَّا يُسرُّ لَهُ.

يُسرُّ بِهِ الخاطِرُ

— The mind/spirit is delighted by it.

كَلامٌ يُسرُّ بِهِ الخاطِرُ.

كُلُّ مَنْ سُمِعَ سُرَّ

— Everyone who heard was delighted.

أَلْقَى خِطابًا كُلُّ مَنْ سُمِعَ سُرَّ.

سُرِرْنا بِحُضُورِكُمْ

— We were delighted by your presence.

شُكْرًا لَكُمْ، سُرِرْنا بِحُضُورِكُمْ.

يُسرُّ المَرْءُ بِصُحْبَتِكَ

— One is delighted by your company.

أَنْتَ شَخْصٌ يُسرُّ المَرْءُ بِصُحْبَتِهِ.

يُسرُّ بِهِ كُلُّ مُحِبٍّ

— Every lover/supporter is delighted by it.

هذا فَوْزٌ يُسرُّ بِهِ كُلُّ مُحِبٍّ.

Often Confused With

يُسر vs يَسُرُّ

This is the active form meaning 'to please someone else.' Don't use it to describe your own feeling.

يُسر vs يُسِرُّ

Pronounced with an 'i' after the 's', it means 'to keep a secret' or 'to whisper'.

يُسر vs يُيَسِّرُ

Means 'to facilitate' or 'to make easy'. It shares the same root letters but in a different form (Form II).

Idioms & Expressions

"يُسرُّ النَّاظِرِينَ"

— To delight those who look at it. Often used for something exceptionally beautiful.

حَدِيقَةٌ خَضْراءُ تُسرُّ النَّاظِرِينَ.

Literary/Quranic
"أَدْخَلَ السُّرُورَ عَلَى قَلْبِهِ"

— To bring joy to someone's heart.

الهَدِيَّةُ أَدْخَلَتِ السُّرُورَ عَلَى قَلْبِ الطِّفْلِ.

Common
"طَارَ مِنَ السُّرُورِ"

— To be over the moon with joy (literally: to fly from delight).

طَارَ مِنَ السُّرُورِ عِنْدَمَا سَمِعَ الخَبَرَ.

Idiomatic
"سُرَّ سِرُّهُ"

— His inner secret/soul was gladdened (archaic/poetic).

سُرَّ سِرُّهُ بِلِقاءِ الحَبِيبِ.

Classical
"بِكُلِّ سُرُورٍ"

— With all pleasure / You're welcome (reply to a request).

هَلْ تُساعِدُنِي؟ بِكُلِّ سُرُورٍ.

Polite
"يُثلِجُ الصَّدْرَ"

— To warm the heart / To be very gratifying (literally: to ice the chest, meaning to cool the heat of worry).

نَجاحُكَ خَبَرٌ يُثلِجُ الصَّدْرَ.

Formal
"يُسِرُّ الحَسُودَ"

— To delight the envious (used when something bad happens to a rival).

لا تَفْعَلْ ما يُسِرُّ الحَسُودَ.

Literary
"يُسرُّ لَهُ الجَبِينُ"

— The forehead is delighted (meaning the whole face lights up).

مَشْهَدٌ يُسرُّ لَهُ الجَبِينُ.

Poetic
"فِي غَمْرَةِ السُّرُورِ"

— In the midst of delight.

نَسِيَ مَتاعَهُ فِي غَمْرَةِ السُّرُورِ.

Literary
"سُرُورٌ لا يَشُوبُهُ كَدَرٌ"

— Pure delight without any sadness/distress.

عاشُوا فِي سُرُورٍ لا يَشُوبُهُ كَدَرٌ.

Formal

Easily Confused

يُسر vs يُسِرُّ

Almost identical spelling and root.

Yusirru (with kasra) means to whisper or hide, while Yusarru (with fatha) means to be delighted.

يُسِرُّ لَهُ سِرًّا (He whispers a secret to him) vs يُسَرُّ بِالخَبَرِ (He is delighted by the news).

يُسر vs يَسُرُّ

Active vs Passive voice of the same verb.

Yasurru is the one doing the pleasing; Yusarru is the one being pleased.

يَسُرُّني نَجاحُكَ (Your success pleases me) vs أُسَرُّ بِنَجاحِكَ (I am pleased by your success).

يُسر vs يُيَسِّرُ

Same root, different meaning.

Yuyassiru means to make a task easy for someone.

يُيَسِّرُ اللهُ الأَمْرَ (God makes the matter easy).

يُسر vs يَسِيرُ

Similar sound.

Yasiru means to walk or travel.

يَسِيرُ الرَّجُلُ فِي الشَّارِعِ.

يُسر vs يَسِير

Similar sound/spelling.

Yasir is an adjective meaning 'easy' or 'small amount'.

هذا أَمْرٌ يَسِيرٌ.

Sentence Patterns

A1

يُسَرُّ [Subject] بِـ [Noun]

يُسَرُّ الطِّفْلُ بِالقِطَّةِ.

A2

تُسَرُّ [Female Subject] بِـ [Noun]

تُسَرُّ الأُمُّ بِالهَدِيَّةِ.

B1

سُرِرْتُ بِـ [Verbal Noun]

سُرِرْتُ بِلِقائِكَ.

B1

يُسرُّ [Subject] أَنْ [Verb]

يُسرُّ المُدِيرُ أَنْ يُساعِدَكَ.

B2

يُسرُّ [Abstract Subject] بِـ [Noun]

يُسرُّ القَلْبُ بِالوَفاءِ.

C1

مِمَّا يُسرُّ لَهُ [Subject]

هذا نَجاحٌ مِمَّا يُسرُّ لَهُ المُعَلِّمُ.

C1

سُرَّ [Subject] أَيَّما سُرُورٍ

سُرَّ الفائِزُ أَيَّما سُرُورٍ.

C2

[Subject] يُسرُّ بِتَجَلِّي [Noun]

العالِمُ يُسرُّ بِتَجَلِّي الحَقِيقَةِ.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

Related

How to Use It

frequency

Common in formal writing and news; moderate in polite speech.

Common Mistakes
  • Using 'yasurru' for 'I am happy'. أنا مَسْرُور (Ana masrur) or سُرِرْتُ (Surirtu).

    'Yasurru' is active and needs an object (it pleases me).

  • Using the preposition 'ma'a' (with). يُسَرُّ بِـ (yusarru bi).

    In Arabic, you are delighted 'by' something, using the 'bi' preposition.

  • Forgetting the gender agreement. تُسَرُّ البِنْتُ (Tusarru al-bintu).

    Verbs must match the gender of the subject.

  • Confusing with 'yusirru' (insist). يُسَرُّ (yusarru - delighted).

    The vowel on the 's' and 'r' changes the meaning completely.

  • Using it in very casual slang. Use 'mabsut' or 'farhan'.

    'Yusarru' can sound too formal for a casual chat with friends.

Tips

Passive Voice

Remember that 'yusarru' is passive. You are 'being delighted' by an external factor. This is why the 'yu-' prefix is essential.

Root Connection

Connect 'yusarru' to 'sirr' (secret). It helps you remember that this joy is deep and internal.

Formal Greetings

Use 'Surirtu biliqa'ika' in formal meetings. It makes you sound very polite and well-spoken.

News Language

When listening to Arabic news, look out for this verb when they talk about successful meetings between leaders.

Preposition 'Bi'

Always keep the 'bi' close to the verb. 'Yusarru [Subject] bi [Reason]' is the golden rule.

The Double R

The shadda on the 'r' is important. It gives the word its rhythm. Practice rolling the 'r' slightly.

Avoid Overuse

Don't use 'yusarru' for every little happy thing. Use 'farhan' for pizza, and 'yusarru' for a promotion.

Spiritual Joy

In religious texts, 'surur' is the joy of the soul. Use 'yusarru' when talking about deeply meaningful events.

Mnemonic

Associate 'Surur' with 'Sun' - a sunny, happy feeling inside.

Elegant Prose

In creative writing, use 'yusarru' to describe a character's internal reaction to beauty.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'yusarru' as 'You are so... [happy]'. The 'sur' sound is like 'surely happy'.

Visual Association

Imagine a 'secret' (sirr) treasure chest in your heart that opens up and glows when you are 'delighted' (yusarru).

Word Web

Secret Joy Heart Internal Pleasure Delight Smile Contentment

Challenge

Try to use 'yusarru' in three different sentences today: one about a friend, one about food, and one about your studies.

Word Origin

From the Proto-Semitic root S-R-R, which primarily relates to things that are hidden, internal, or central.

Original meaning: To make someone feel good internally; to touch the 'sirr' (the innermost part of the human).

Afroasiatic > Semitic > Central Semitic > Arabic.

Cultural Context

Generally a very positive word with no negative connotations, safe for all contexts.

In English, 'delighted' can sometimes sound a bit posh or old-fashioned, but in Arabic, 'yusarru' is perfectly modern and standard.

Quranic verses describing 'surur' in Jannah. Classical poems by Al-Mutanabbi. Modern songs by Fairuz.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Academic Success

  • يُسرُّ بِنَجاحِهِ
  • تُسرُّ الجامِعَةُ بِتَخَرُّجِكُم
  • سُرِرْتُ بِتَفَوُّقِكَ
  • يُسرُّ الأُسْتاذُ بِطُلابِهِ

Social Gatherings

  • سُرِرْتُ بِلِقائِكُمْ
  • يُسرُّنا حُضُورُكُمْ
  • نُسرُّ بِرُؤْيَتِكُمْ
  • سُرَّ الجَمِيعُ بِالاجْتِماعِ

News/Media

  • يُسرُّنا أَنْ نُعْلِنَ
  • سُرَّ العالَمُ بِالخَبَرِ
  • مِمَّا يُسرُّ لَهُ القَلْبُ
  • خَبَرٌ سارٌّ

Formal Correspondence

  • يُسرُّني الإِفادَةُ بِـ
  • سُرِرْتُ بِرِسالَتِكَ
  • نُسرُّ بِالتَّعاوُنِ مَعَكُم
  • يُسرُّ الإِدارَةُ

Personal Feelings

  • يُسرُّ خاطِرِي
  • تُسرُّ نَفْسِي
  • سُرِرْتُ لِلْغايَةِ
  • أَنا مَسْرُورٌ جِدًّا

Conversation Starters

"هَلْ سُرِرْتَ بِالأَخْبارِ اليَوْمَ؟ (Were you delighted by the news today?)"

"يُسرُّنِي جِدًّا أَنْ أَراكَ، كَيْفَ حالُكَ؟ (It delights me very much to see you, how are you?)"

"ما هُوَ أَكْثَرُ شَيْءٍ يُسرُّكَ فِي عَمَلِكَ؟ (What is the thing that delights you most in your work?)"

"سُرِرْنا كَثِيرًا بِزِيارَتِكَ، مَتَى سَتَعُودُ؟ (We were very delighted by your visit, when will you return?)"

"هَلْ تُسرُّ بِالقِراءةِ فِي المَساءِ؟ (Are you delighted by reading in the evening?)"

Journal Prompts

اُكْتُبْ عَنْ يَوْمٍ سُرِرْتَ فِيهِ كَثِيرًا بِسَبَبِ نَجاحٍ حَقَّقْتَهُ. (Write about a day you were very delighted because of an achievement you made.)

ما هِيَ المَناظِرُ الطَّبِيعِيَّةُ التِي تُسرُّ عَيْنَكَ حِينَ تَراها؟ (What are the natural scenes that delight your eye when you see them?)

صِفْ شُعُورَكَ عِنْدَما تُسرُّ بِخَبَرٍ سارٍّ لِصَدِيقِكَ. (Describe your feeling when you are delighted by good news for your friend.)

كَيْفَ تُعَبِّرُ لِلآخَرِينَ عَنْ أَنَّكَ سُرِرْتَ بِلِقائِهِم؟ (How do you express to others that you were delighted to meet them?)

اُكْتُبْ رِسالَةً رَسْمِيَّةً تَبْدَأُ بِجُمْلَةِ 'يُسرُّنِي أَنْ...'. (Write a formal letter starting with the sentence 'It delights me to...')

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

'Farhan' is a common adjective used in daily life for being happy. 'Yusarru' is a formal verb that implies a deeper, more sincere delight, often used in professional or literary contexts.

Yes, you change the prefix to 'tu-', making it 'tusarru'. For example: 'Tusarru al-bintu' (The girl is delighted).

The most common and correct preposition is 'bi' (بـ). You can also use 'li' (لـ) in certain contexts, but 'bi' is the standard for the cause of delight.

It is mostly a Modern Standard Arabic (Fusha) word. In dialects like Egyptian or Levantine, people usually say 'mabsut' or 'farhan'.

You say 'Surirtu' (سُرِرْتُ). This is the passive past tense first-person form.

The root S-R-R relates to things that are internal or secret. This is why 'sirr' means secret and 'surur' means happiness—joy is seen as something that happens inside the heart.

Yes, it is considered a formal and polite way to express pleasure. It is very common in official letters, news, and literature.

Usually, the subject of 'yusarru' is a sentient being (person, animal) or a personified object (heart, soul). You wouldn't say a chair is 'yusarru'.

You can use the active form: 'Yasurruni an...' (يَسُرُّني أَنْ...). If you want to use the passive, you'd say 'Yusarru al-mar'u an...' (One is delighted to...).

Yes, the noun is 'Surur' (سُرُور).

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Write a sentence using 'يُسَرُّ' and 'النَّجاح'.

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writing

Translate: 'The mother is delighted with her child.'

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writing

Translate: 'I am delighted to see you.' (Formal)

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writing

Write a formal email opening: 'The company is delighted to announce...'

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writing

Use the past tense of 'yusarru' in a sentence.

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writing

Write a sentence about a traveler being delighted.

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writing

Create a sentence using 'تُسَرُّ العَيْنُ'.

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writing

Translate: 'Everyone was delighted by the ceremony.'

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writing

Write a sentence using the noun 'سُرُور'.

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writing

Translate: 'We are delighted by your visit.'

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writing

Write a sentence using 'yusarru' for a plural subject.

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writing

Translate: 'The heart is delighted by peace.'

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writing

Write a sentence about a gift.

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writing

Translate: 'One is delighted by good company.'

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writing

Write a sentence using 'yusarru' and 'news'.

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writing

Translate: 'He was extremely delighted.'

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writing

Write a sentence about a garden.

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writing

Translate: 'It delights me to help you.'

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writing

Write a sentence about a scientist's discovery.

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writing

Translate: 'The soul is delighted by memories.'

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speaking

Pronounce: يُسَرُّ (yusarru)

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speaking

Say 'I am delighted' in Arabic.

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speaking

Say 'The boy is delighted' in Arabic.

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speaking

Say 'The girl is delighted' in Arabic.

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speaking

Say 'I am delighted to meet you' (Formal).

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speaking

Pronounce: سُرُور (surur)

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speaking

Say 'We are delighted' in Arabic.

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speaking

Say 'Delighted by the news' in Arabic.

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speaking

Say 'Delighted by the gift' in Arabic.

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speaking

Pronounce: سُرِرْتُ (surirtu)

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speaking

Say 'He is delighted with the food'.

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speaking

Say 'She is delighted with her success'.

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speaking

Say 'It delights me to help you'.

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speaking

Say 'The teacher is delighted with the student'.

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speaking

Say 'Everyone was delighted'.

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speaking

Pronounce: مَسْرُور (masrur)

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speaking

Say 'Delighted by the visit'.

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speaking

Say 'The heart is delighted'.

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speaking

Say 'With all pleasure' (idiom).

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speaking

Say 'Delighted by your presence'.

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listening

Listen to the word: يُسَرُّ. Does it mean happy or sad?

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listening

Listen to the sentence: سُرِرْتُ بِلِقائِكَ. Is it formal or informal?

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listening

Listen: تُسَرُّ الأُمُّ. Is the subject male or female?

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listening

Listen: يُسَرُّ الطَّالِبُ بِالنَّجاحِ. What is the student happy about?

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listening

Listen: سُرَّ الجَمِيعُ. Is this present or past tense?

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listening

Listen: نُسَرُّ بِزِيارَتِكُمْ. Who is delighted?

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listening

Listen: يُسَرُّ بِالهَدِيَّةِ. What object is mentioned?

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listening

Listen: خَبَرٌ سارٌّ. Does this mean good news or bad news?

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listening

Listen: يُسَرُّ القَلْبُ. What part of the body is mentioned?

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listening

Listen: سُرِرْنا بِحُضُورِكُمْ. What are they happy about?

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listening

Listen: يُسَرُّ المُدِيرُ. Who is delighted?

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listening

Listen: بِكُلِّ سُرُورٍ. Is this a polite reply?

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listening

Listen: تُسَرُّ العَرُوسُ. Who is the subject?

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listening

Listen: سُرَّتِ العَيْنُ. What is delighted?

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listening

Listen: يُسَرُّ النَّاظِرِينَ. Does this refer to people looking?

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/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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