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B1 verb #3,500 most common 14 min read

alegrar-se

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips alegrar-se in 30 Seconds

Explanation alegrar-se in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners are introduced to the basic concept of expressing happiness. While 'alegrar-se' might be a bit complex due to its reflexive nature, A1 students should recognize the root word 'alegre' (happy). At this stage, you focus on simple subject-verb constructions like 'Eu estou alegre' (I am happy). Understanding 'alegrar-se' at A1 means recognizing it in very simple contexts, such as 'Eu me alegro' (I cheer up) or seeing it in greetings. The focus is on the present tense and the first-person singular. You learn that Portuguese uses reflexive pronouns (me, te, se) to show that an emotion is happening within the person. This is a foundational step toward understanding how emotions are structured grammatically in Portuguese, which differs from the English 'to be' + adjective structure. A1 learners should focus on the connection between the adjective 'alegre' and the verb 'alegrar,' noticing how the verb describes the action of becoming happy. Simple phrases like 'Eu me alegro com você' (I am happy with you) are the building blocks for more complex emotional expression later on. Even if you don't use it perfectly, recognizing the '-se' as a marker of a reflexive action is a key A1 milestone.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'alegrar-se' in more varied tenses, such as the Pretérito Perfeito (Past Tense). You start to understand that the reflexive pronoun changes depending on who is feeling the joy: 'Nós nos alegramos' (We are happy) or 'Eles se alegraram' (They were happy). A2 learners also start to use the preposition 'com' correctly to indicate the cause of the happiness, such as 'Eu me alegrei com o presente' (I was happy with the gift). At this stage, the distinction between European and Brazilian pronoun placement becomes relevant, though the focus remains on being understood. You might use 'alegrar-se' in simple stories or when describing past events. You also learn the negative form, 'Não me alegro,' and start to see the verb in the infinitive after other verbs, like 'Gosto de me alegrar' (I like to be happy). The A2 level is about expanding from just 'being' happy to 'becoming' happy in response to everyday situations like birthdays, good weather, or seeing friends. It's about adding more dynamic movement to your descriptions of feelings.

B1 is the level where 'alegrar-se' truly becomes a functional part of your vocabulary. You are now expected to use it in the Subjunctive mood to express wishes or reactions: 'Espero que você se alegre com a notícia' (I hope you are happy with the news). You also start to distinguish between using 'com' (with things) and 'por' (for people). B1 learners can use 'alegrar-se' to describe more abstract concepts, like rejoicing in a success or a cultural event. You understand the nuance that 'alegrar-se' is more formal and emotionally resonant than 'ficar feliz.' This level also involves mastering the placement of the reflexive pronoun in more complex sentences, especially in the presence of 'que' or negative words which pull the pronoun forward. You can now use the verb to participate in social rituals, such as congratulating someone or expressing empathy. Your ability to conjugate 'alegrar-se' across all common tenses—present, past, future, and conditional—allows you to talk about your emotional life with much greater detail and accuracy. You are moving beyond basic needs and into the realm of expressing genuine human connection through language.

At the B2 level, you use 'alegrar-se' with a high degree of grammatical accuracy and stylistic awareness. You understand when to choose 'alegrar-se' over 'ficar feliz' to achieve a specific tone in your writing or speaking. You are comfortable with the conditional tense ('Eu me alegraria se...') and can handle more complex sentence structures involving multiple clauses. B2 learners also start to recognize the verb in more formal contexts, such as in news reports or professional emails ('Alegramo-nos em informar...'). You can discuss the cultural implications of 'alegria' in Lusophone cultures and use the verb to reflect these values. Your pronoun placement is consistent with the dialect you are studying, and you rarely make mistakes with prepositions. You might also start using the verb in more idiomatic ways or alongside more sophisticated adverbs like 'imensamente' or 'sinceramente.' At B2, 'alegrar-se' is not just a word you know; it is a tool you use to navigate social and professional environments with confidence and emotional intelligence.

At the C1 level, your use of 'alegrar-se' is near-native. You can use it in highly formal or literary contexts, and you are familiar with its more obscure synonyms like 'regozijar-se' or 'exultar.' You understand the subtle differences in meaning and register between these words and can choose the most appropriate one for any situation. In European Portuguese, you are comfortable with mesoclisis ('Alegrar-me-ei') even if it is rare in speech. You can use 'alegrar-se' to express complex, multi-layered emotions in essays or debates. You also have a deep understanding of the verb's etymology and how its meaning has evolved in different Portuguese-speaking regions. C1 learners can use the verb in the 'infinitivo pessoal' (personal infinitive), such as 'Para nos alegrarmos, precisamos de pouco' (In order for us to be happy, we need little). This level of mastery allows you to use the language creatively, playing with word order and emphasis to convey precise emotional states. You can appreciate and use the verb in poetry or high-level journalism, recognizing its power to evoke a sense of shared humanity and joy.

At the C2 level, you have complete mastery over 'alegrar-se' and its place within the vast landscape of the Portuguese language. You can use it with absolute precision in any context, from the most technical academic paper to the most informal slang-filled conversation (where you might ironically choose a formal verb for effect). You understand all the historical and regional variations of the verb and can switch between them if necessary. Your command of the subjunctive, conditional, and all compound tenses is flawless. You can use 'alegrar-se' to articulate philosophical or psychological theories about happiness. At this level, you don't just use the word; you understand its resonance within the entire Lusophone literary canon, from Camões to Saramago. You can spot the slightest misuse of the verb by others and understand why it feels 'off.' For a C2 speaker, 'alegrar-se' is part of a deeply internalized system of emotional expression that feels as natural as their native tongue. You can use it to inspire, to comfort, and to celebrate with a level of nuance that reflects the highest level of linguistic and cultural competence.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

alegrar-se in 30 Seconds

A reflexive verb meaning 'to be happy' or 'to cheer up.'
Requires reflexive pronouns: me, te, se, nos, vos, se.
Commonly used with prepositions 'com' (with/about) and 'por' (for).
More formal and expressive than the colloquial 'ficar feliz.'

The Portuguese verb alegrar-se is a reflexive verb that translates primarily to 'to be happy,' 'to cheer up,' or 'to rejoice' in English. Unlike the simple adjective 'feliz' (happy), which describes a state of being, alegrar-se describes the internal process of becoming happy or the act of feeling joy in response to a specific stimulus. It is a CEFR B1 level word because it requires an understanding of reflexive pronouns and the ability to express emotional reactions to events. In the Lusophone world, expressing joy is often tied to social connections, successes, or simple daily pleasures, making this verb essential for meaningful conversation.

Reflexive Nature: The '-se' at the end indicates that the action of 'cheering up' is performed by the subject upon themselves. You don't just 'happy,' you 'cheer yourself up.'

When you use alegrar-se, you are often indicating a transition from a neutral or negative state into a positive one. It is frequently followed by the prepositions com (with/about) or por (for/because of). For example, if a friend gets a new job, you would say 'Alegro-me por ti' (I am happy for you). This specific construction highlights the empathetic nature of the Portuguese language, where one's happiness is often linked to the well-being of others.

Eu alegro-me imenso com a tua visita inesperada hoje.

In formal writing, such as literature or academic texts, alegrar-se takes on a more profound tone, similar to 'to rejoice.' In everyday Brazilian Portuguese, however, speakers might often substitute this with 'ficar feliz,' but using alegrar-se adds a level of linguistic sophistication and emotional depth that 'ficar feliz' lacks. It suggests a more active, felt emotion rather than just a temporary state of mind.

Emotional Nuance: It implies a genuine spark of joy, often used in celebratory contexts or when acknowledging good news.

Todos se alegraram quando o sol finalmente apareceu após a chuva.

Understanding the cultural weight of 'alegria' (joy) in Portuguese-speaking countries is vital. In Brazil, for instance, 'alegria' is a core cultural value, celebrated in music genres like Samba and Axé. Therefore, saying 'alegro-me' carries a connotation of participating in this shared cultural vibrancy. It is not just about a private feeling; it is about an energy that can be shared and observed by the community.

Nós nos alegramos com as pequenas vitórias do dia a dia.

Common Prepositions: Use 'com' for things/events and 'por' for people or reasons. This distinction is key for B1 learners.

Ela se alegra sempre que ouve sua canção favorita no rádio.

Finally, alegrar-se is a versatile tool for social etiquette. It is used in formal emails ('Alegro-me em informar que...'), in religious contexts ('Alegrai-vos no Senhor'), and in intimate family settings. Its ability to bridge the gap between formal and informal makes it a powerhouse verb for any student looking to reach intermediate fluency in Portuguese.

Vocês se alegrarão muito quando virem os resultados do vosso trabalho árduo.

Mastering the use of alegrar-se requires a firm grasp of reflexive pronoun placement, which varies significantly between European Portuguese (EP) and Brazilian Portuguese (BP). In BP, the pronoun almost always precedes the verb in speech ('Eu me alegro'), while in EP, it often follows the verb ('Alegro-me'), especially at the start of a sentence. This distinction is one of the first things a B1 learner should notice to sound more like a native speaker of their chosen dialect.

The Preposition 'Com': Used when the source of joy is an object, an event, or a situation. Example: 'Eu me alegro com a primavera.'

When constructing sentences in the past tense, the reflexive pronoun remains essential. For example, 'Ontem, eu me alegrei com a notícia' (Yesterday, I was happy with the news). In the future tense, particularly in formal EP, you might encounter the mesoclisis 'Alegrar-me-ei,' though this is extremely rare in spoken language. Instead, most speakers will use the 'ir + infinitive' construction: 'Vou me alegrar' or 'Vou alegrar-me.'

Espero que você se alegre com o presente que comprei para você.

The subjunctive mood is also frequently used with alegrar-se, especially when expressing a wish or a reaction to a possibility. 'Fico feliz que você se alegre' (I'm glad that you are happy). Notice how the reflexive pronoun 'se' stays close to the verb 'alegre'. This combination of emotion and the subjunctive is a classic B1 grammar point that helps express complex feelings about other people's states of mind.

The Preposition 'Por': Used to express happiness on behalf of someone else. Example: 'Nós nos alegramos por vocês.'

Eles se alegraram muito ao saber que o projeto foi aprovado pela diretoria.

Another important aspect is the use of the infinitive. After prepositions or certain verbs, the infinitive form is used. For example, 'É importante alegrar-se com as coisas simples' (It is important to be happy with simple things). Here, the reflexive pronoun '-se' is attached to the infinitive. If you were speaking about yourself, it would be 'É importante alegrar-me'. This level of agreement between the subject and the reflexive pronoun is crucial for grammatical accuracy.

Imperative Mood: Used to encourage someone. 'Alegra-te!' (Cheer up! - informal) or 'Alegre-se!' (Cheer up! - formal/standard BP).

Se você se alegrar com o sucesso alheio, a vida será muito mais leve.

Finally, let's look at the conditional. 'Eu me alegraria se você viesse' (I would be happy if you came). This shows how alegrar-se functions in hypothetical situations. By practicing these different tenses and moods, you will move beyond simple adjectives and start expressing a dynamic range of joy in your Portuguese conversations. Pay close attention to how the pronoun 'se' acts as a mirror, reflecting the action back to the person feeling the emotion.

Nós nos alegraríamos imenso se todos pudessem participar na celebração.

The verb alegrar-se is found everywhere from the lyrics of a soulful Bossa Nova track to the formal opening of a wedding speech. In Brazil, you will hear it in the context of 'comemorações' (celebrations). For example, during the World Cup or Carnival, news anchors might say, 'O povo brasileiro se alegra com a vitória,' emphasizing a collective sense of rejoicing. It is a word that carries a certain weight; it is more poetic than the colloquial 'ficar feliz' and therefore appears frequently in literature and music.

In Music and Lyrics: Songwriters use 'alegrar-se' to describe the transformative power of love or music. It rhymes beautifully with 'cantar-se' or 'amar-se'.

In Portugal, the word is often heard in more traditional settings. In the northern regions, during 'romarias' (religious festivals), you might hear people saying 'Alegrai-vos!' as a greeting of communal joy. It has a slightly more formal, almost liturgical feel in European Portuguese compared to the more fluid Brazilian usage. If you are reading a classic novel by Eça de Queirós or Machado de Assis, alegrar-se will appear to describe the internal states of characters in a way that simple adjectives cannot capture.

Ao ouvir o sino da igreja, a vila inteira se alegrou com o fim da guerra.

Social media has also seen a resurgence of this verb. Influencers often use the phrase 'Alegro-me em compartilhar...' (I am happy to share...) when announcing positive news or milestones. This usage bridges the gap between the traditional formal register and the modern digital landscape. It sounds more professional and heartfelt than using 'Estou feliz,' making it a favorite for 'legendas' (captions) on Instagram or LinkedIn posts in Portuguese.

In Professional Contexts: Used in business correspondence to express satisfaction with a partnership or a successful deal: 'Alegramo-nos com o sucesso da parceria.'

O diretor alegrou-se visivelmente com o relatório de vendas deste trimestre.

Movies and 'telenovelas' (soap operas) use alegrar-se to heighten the drama of a happy ending. When a long-lost relative returns or a protagonist finally finds love, the dialogue often includes a reflexive form of 'alegrar.' For example, 'Como não me alegrar vendo-te assim tão bem?' (How could I not be happy seeing you so well?). This usage reinforces the idea that alegrar-se is a response to an external event that moves the subject deeply.

Daily Greetings: While less common than 'Tudo bem?', you might hear 'Alegro-me em vê-lo' in more formal or polite social circles.

Não há nada que me faça alegrar-me mais do que um bom café numa manhã de sol.

In summary, alegrar-se is a versatile verb that adds a touch of class and emotional clarity to your speech. Whether you are listening to a classic Samba, reading a newspaper in Lisbon, or watching a Brazilian drama, you will find this word serving as a vital expression of the human capacity for joy. It is a word that doesn't just describe happiness—it celebrates it.

A criança alegrou-se instantaneamente ao ver o balão colorido no céu.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make when using alegrar-se is forgetting the reflexive pronoun. In English, we simply say 'I am happy' or 'I rejoice.' Because 'rejoice' isn't reflexive in English, learners often say 'Eu alegro com a notícia,' which sounds incomplete or like you are trying to cheer up the news itself (as 'alegrar' without the '-se' means to make something else happy). Always remember: if you are the one feeling the joy, you must use me, te, se, nos, or vos.

The Missing Pronoun: Incorrect: 'Ele alegra com o presente.' Correct: 'Ele se alegra com o presente.' Without the 'se', it sounds like he is cheering up the gift.

Another common pitfall is the misuse of prepositions. Many learners try to translate 'happy for you' literally as 'alegre para você.' While 'para' can sometimes work in specific contexts, the standard preposition with alegrar-se when referring to someone else's good fortune is por. For example, 'Alegro-me por ti' is the correct way to say 'I am happy for you.' Using 'com' is also correct if you mean you are happy with the situation involving them, but 'por' is more specific to the person.

Cuidado: Não diga 'Alegro-me de você'; o correto é 'Alegro-me por você'.

Pronoun placement is a major hurdle. In Brazil, you might hear 'Eu me alegro,' but if you start a sentence with the verb in a formal context or in Portugal, you cannot say 'Me alegro.' It must be 'Alegro-me.' Starting a sentence with a reflexive pronoun is considered grammatically incorrect in standard Portuguese (though very common in casual Brazilian speech). B1 students should strive to recognize this rule to improve their formal writing and speaking.

Conjugation Errors: In the 'nós' form, many forget that the '-s' at the end of the verb is dropped when adding 'nos' in European Portuguese: 'Alegramo-nos' (not Alegramos-nos).

Nós nos alegramos (BP) / Alegramo-nos (EP) com a vossa chegada.

Finally, learners often over-rely on the verb 'estar' when they should use the reflexive verb. Saying 'Estou alegre' is perfectly fine, but it describes a state. If you want to describe the reaction to something, alegrar-se is much more natural. For instance, if you receive a gift, don't just say 'Estou alegre'; say 'Alegro-me muito com este presente!' This shows you are actively responding to the gesture, which is a more advanced and native-like way to communicate.

Subjunctive Confusion: When using 'que', the pronoun must come before the verb: 'Espero que você se alegre' (not 'alegre-se').

É possível que eles se alegrem quando virem a surpresa que preparamos.

In summary, focus on the reflexive pronoun, choose the right preposition ('com' or 'por'), and be mindful of your dialect's rules for pronoun placement. Avoiding these common mistakes will make your Portuguese sound much more fluid and sophisticated at the B1 level and beyond.

Não te alegres (EP) / Não se alegre (BP) antes do tempo; o jogo ainda não acabou.

While alegrar-se is a fantastic verb, Portuguese offers a rich palette of synonyms that can specify the kind of joy you are feeling. For B1 learners, expanding your vocabulary with these alternatives will allow you to express subtle differences in emotion. The most common alternative is ficar feliz, which is the go-to phrase in casual Brazilian Portuguese. It literally means 'to become happy' and is used in almost any situation where alegrar-se would fit, but it feels more modern and less formal.

Regozijar-se: This is a much more formal and literary version of 'alegrar-se.' It carries a sense of deep, often spiritual or profound rejoicing. You might find it in old books or religious texts.

Another great alternative is contentar-se. While it also comes from a root meaning 'happy' (contente), it specifically means 'to be satisfied' or 'to settle for.' For example, 'Ele contentou-se com o segundo lugar' (He was satisfied/happy enough with second place). Use this when the joy is more about being okay with a situation rather than an explosion of happiness. Similarly, satisfazer-se focuses on the fulfillment of a desire or need.

Ao contrário de alegrar-se, o verbo 'exultar' indica uma alegria extrema, quase triunfante.

If you want to sound very natural in Brazil, you can use the expression dar um pulo de alegria (to jump for joy). While it's an idiom, it functions as a more physical alternative to the internal emotion of alegrar-se. On the more formal side, entusiasmar-se means to become enthusiastic or excited. This is perfect for professional contexts where you want to show you are not just happy, but also motivated by a new project or idea.

Comparison: Alegrar-se vs. Ficar Feliz: 'Alegrar-se' is a verb of action/reflexion. 'Ficar feliz' is a change of state. 'Alegrar-se' sounds more deliberate and poetic.

Ele não apenas se alegrou, ele 'radiou' felicidade por todo o escritório.

For a more intense version, consider jubilar or exultar. These are high-level C1/C2 words that describe a state of being overjoyed or jubilant. They are rarely used in daily conversation but are essential for understanding sophisticated Portuguese media or literature. On the flip side, animar-se is a very useful B1 alternative that means 'to cheer up' or 'to get excited' about something coming up, like a party or a trip.

Summary of Alternatives: Casual: Ficar feliz, Animar-se. Formal: Regozijar-se, Exultar. Specific: Contentar-se (satisfied), Entusiasmar-se (excited).

Nós nos animamos muito com a ideia de viajar para Portugal no próximo verão.

By choosing the right synonym, you show a deeper understanding of the Portuguese language's emotional nuances. Start with alegrar-se as your foundation, but don't be afraid to experiment with animar-se for future plans or regozijar-se when something truly momentous happens. Each word adds a different 'cor' (color) to your linguistic palette.

Espero que possas regozijar-te com esta grande conquista na tua carreira.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root 'alacer' is also the source of the English word 'alacrity,' which means a cheerful readiness. So when you 'alegrar-se,' you are literally showing alacrity in your spirit!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɐ.lɛˈɡɾaɾ.sɨ/

US /a.leˈɡɾaʁ.si/

The primary stress is on the second-to-last syllable of the verb 'alegrar' (the 'grar' part).

Rhymes With

cantar-se amar-se lembrar-se olhar-se sentar-se dar-se falar-se achar-se

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'g' as a 'j' sound (it should be hard like 'go').
Forgetting to tap the 'r' (it's not like the English 'r').
Stress on the reflexive pronoun 'se' (it should be unstressed).
Mixing up the open 'e' (EP) and closed 'e' (BP).
Making the 's' in 'se' voiced (it should be unvoiced like 'sun').

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize due to the root 'alegre,' but reflexive forms can be tricky.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of reflexive pronoun placement and prepositions.

Speaking 4/5

Reflexive pronouns and pronoun-verb agreement need practice to sound natural.

Listening 3/5

Pronouns can be swallowed in fast speech, especially in European Portuguese.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

alegre feliz com por se

Learn Next

regozijar-se entristecer-se queixar-se lembrar-se

Advanced

exultar jubilar ufanar-se pavonear-se

Grammar to Know

Reflexive Pronoun Placement (Proclisis)

Em frases negativas: 'Não **me** alegro'.

Reflexive Pronoun Placement (Enclisis)

Início de frase em EP: 'Alegro-**me**'.

Subjunctive Mood

Desejos: 'Espero que ele **se alegre**'.

Prepositional Agreement

Alegrar-se **com** (algo) vs **por** (alguém).

Personal Infinitive

Para **nos alegrarmos**, precisamos de paz.

Examples by Level

Eu me alegro hoje.

I am happy today.

Simple present tense with reflexive pronoun 'me'.

Você se alegra com o sol?

Are you happy with the sun?

Question form using the second person singular.

Nós nos alegramos muito.

We are very happy.

First person plural reflexive pronoun 'nos'.

Ela se alegra com a música.

She is happy with the music.

Third person singular with 'se'.

Eles se alegram com o bolo.

They are happy with the cake.

Third person plural present tense.

Eu me alegro com você.

I am happy with you.

Using 'com' to show the cause of joy.

O gato se alegra com a comida.

The cat is happy with the food.

Reflexive verb used with an animal subject.

Alegro-me agora.

I am happy now.

European Portuguese placement (enclisis).

Ontem, eu me alegrei com a sua carta.

Yesterday, I was happy with your letter.

Pretérito Perfeito (Past Tense).

Nós nos alegramos com a festa de ontem.

We were happy with yesterday's party.

Past tense for a group.

Você se alegrou com o presente?

Were you happy with the gift?

Past tense question.

Eles se alegraram quando o pai chegou.

They were happy when their father arrived.

Past tense with a temporal clause ('quando').

Eu não me alegrei com aquela notícia.

I wasn't happy with that news.

Negative past tense.

Ela sempre se alegra ao ver o mar.

She always cheers up upon seeing the sea.

Use of 'ao' + infinitive.

Vocês se alegraram com a vitória do time?

Were you all happy with the team's victory?

Plural 'you' in the past tense.

Alegrei-me muito ao ouvir a tua voz.

I was very happy to hear your voice.

EP style enclisis in the past tense.

Espero que você se alegre com esta surpresa.

I hope you are happy with this surprise.

Present Subjunctive after 'Espero que'.

Alegro-me por você ter conseguido o emprego.

I am happy for you having gotten the job.

Using 'por' + personal infinitive.

Se eu ganhasse o prêmio, me alegraria imenso.

If I won the prize, I would be immensely happy.

Conditional tense in a hypothetical sentence.

É importante que nos alegremos com as pequenas coisas.

It is important that we are happy with small things.

Subjunctive mood after impersonal expression.

Eles se alegrariam se nós fôssemos visitá-los.

They would be happy if we went to visit them.

Conditional tense with 'se' clause.

Não creio que ela se alegre com essa mudança.

I don't believe she'll be happy with that change.

Subjunctive after doubt/denial.

Nós nos alegraríamos muito com a sua presença.

We would be very happy with your presence.

Polite conditional request/statement.

Alegra-te, pois o pior já passou!

Cheer up, for the worst has already passed!

Imperative mood (informal EP).

Alegramo-nos em informar que a sua candidatura foi aceite.

We are happy to inform you that your application was accepted.

Formal business register.

Embora estivesse cansado, ele se alegrou com a visita dos netos.

Although he was tired, he cheered up with his grandchildren's visit.

Concessive clause ('Embora') + past tense.

Sempre que o vejo, alegro-me com a sua boa disposição.

Whenever I see him, I am happy with his good mood.

Temporal clause with 'Sempre que'.

Caso eles se alegrem com a proposta, assinaremos o contrato.

In case they are happy with the proposal, we will sign the contract.

Future Subjunctive with 'Caso'.

Ela ter-se-ia alegrado mais se tivesse recebido flores.

She would have been happier if she had received flowers.

Compound conditional with mesoclisis (Formal EP).

Não há quem não se alegre com uma boa notícia.

There is no one who isn't happy with good news.

Relative clause requiring subjunctive/pronoun shift.

Alegrar-se-ão todos quando virem o novo parque da cidade.

Everyone will be happy when they see the new city park.

Future tense with mesoclisis (Formal EP).

Duvido que eles se tenham alegrado com o resultado do exame.

I doubt they were happy with the exam result.

Past Subjunctive Compound.

É imperativo que nos alegremos perante as adversidades da vida.

It is imperative that we rejoice in the face of life's adversities.

High-level formal structure.

Regozijo-me com o facto de a justiça ter finalmente prevalecido.

I rejoice in the fact that justice has finally prevailed.

Using 'Regozijar-se' as a high-register synonym.

Tão logo soube do teu sucesso, alegrei-me profundamente.

As soon as I heard of your success, I was deeply happy.

Temporal conjunction 'Tão logo'.

Alegro-me de que tenhas encontrado o teu caminho.

I am glad that you have found your path.

Reflexive verb followed by 'de que'.

Oxalá todos se alegrem com a chegada da paz.

Hopefully everyone rejoices with the arrival of peace.

Use of 'Oxalá' to express a strong wish.

Alegravam-se mutuamente com histórias de tempos idos.

They cheered each other up with stories of times gone by.

Reciprocal use of the reflexive verb.

Não obstante a dor, ela soube alegrar-se com a felicidade alheia.

Despite the pain, she knew how to be happy for others' happiness.

Sophisticated concessive phrase 'Não obstante'.

Alegre-se quem puder, pois a vida é um sopro.

Let whoever can be happy, for life is a breath.

Subjunctive used as a general exhortation.

Alegra-me sobremaneira constatar a vossa evolução intelectual.

It pleases me exceedingly to note your intellectual evolution.

Use of 'sobremaneira' (exceedingly).

Quem se não alegraria perante tal demonstração de virtuosismo?

Who would not rejoice before such a demonstration of virtuosity?

Literary pronoun placement (mesoclisis-like structure).

Alegrai-vos, ó gentes, que a aurora da liberdade desponta!

Rejoice, O people, for the dawn of freedom arises!

Archaic/Poetic imperative plural.

Haveria de alegrar-se o poeta se visse os seus versos imortalizados.

The poet would surely rejoice if he saw his verses immortalized.

Complex conditional construction 'Haveria de'.

Nada obsta a que nos alegremos com o triunfo da razão.

Nothing prevents us from rejoicing in the triumph of reason.

Formal legalistic/philosophical phrasing.

Alegro-me de quão longe chegámos, malgrado os obstáculos.

I rejoice in how far we've come, despite the obstacles.

Use of 'malgrado' (despite).

Porventura se alegrarão os vindouros com o nosso legado?

Will those who come after us perhaps rejoice in our legacy?

Use of 'Porventura' (perhaps/perchance).

Alegra-se a alma quando se despoja de vaidades mundanas.

The soul rejoices when it strips itself of worldly vanities.

Philosophical/Mystical register.

Common Collocations

alegrar-se imenso

alegrar-se com a vinda

alegrar-se por alguém

alegrar-se de saber

alegrar-se com o sucesso

alegrar-se sinceramente

alegrar-se visivelmente

não se alegrar com

alegrar-se com a ideia

alegrar-se com a chegada

Common Phrases

Alegro-me em vê-lo.

— I am happy to see you. Used in formal greetings.

Bom dia, senhor Silva. Alegro-me em vê-lo.

Alegre-se!

— Cheer up! An imperative to encourage someone.

Alegre-se! Amanhã será um dia melhor.

Alegro-me por ti.

— I am happy for you. Expresses empathy.

Que boa notícia! Alegro-me por ti.

Não há de quê alegrar-se.

— There is nothing to be happy about. Used in negative contexts.

Com esta crise, não há de quê alegrar-se.

Alegro-me de coração.

— I am happy from the bottom of my heart. Deep sincerity.

Alegro-me de coração com o vosso casamento.

Alegrai-vos!

— Rejoice! (Plural). Often used in religious or festive contexts.

Alegrai-vos, pois o Natal está a chegar!

Alegro-me com pouco.

— I am happy with little. Describes a simple person.

Não preciso de muito, alegro-me com pouco.

Quem se alegra, vive mais.

— He who is happy lives longer. A common proverb.

Sorria sempre! Quem se alegra, vive mais.

Alegro-me em informar...

— I am happy to inform... Standard formal opening.

Alegro-me em informar que o seu visto foi aprovado.

Alegra-te enquanto podes.

— Be happy while you can. A reminder of life's fleeting nature.

Aproveita a juventude e alegra-te enquanto podes.

Often Confused With

alegrar-se vs Agradar-se

Agradar-se means 'to be pleased with' or 'to like,' while alegrar-se is specifically about joy.

alegrar-se vs Alegrar

Without the 'se,' it means to make *someone else* happy. 'A música alegra a sala.'

alegrar-se vs Divertir-se

Divertir-se is 'to have fun,' which is different from the internal feeling of joy (alegrar-se).

Idioms & Expressions

"Alegrar o coração"

— To bring deep joy or comfort to someone.

Ver os netos brincando alegra o coração da avó.

Informal/Poetic

"Alegrar a vista"

— To be pleasing to look at; to be eye candy.

Este jardim florido realmente alegra a vista.

Neutral

"Rir-se e alegrar-se"

— To have a great time without worries.

Eles passaram a noite a rir-se e a alegrar-se.

Informal

"Alegrar o dia de alguém"

— To do something that makes someone's whole day better.

O teu telefonema alegrou o meu dia.

Neutral

"Alegrar a alma"

— To provide spiritual or deep emotional satisfaction.

Uma boa música clássica alegra a alma.

Poetic

"Pular de alegria"

— To be extremely happy (to jump for joy).

Ela pulou de alegria ao passar no exame.

Informal

"Estar com a alegria toda"

— To be in a very good mood.

Hoje o João está com a alegria toda!

Slang (Brazil)

"Alegrar o ambiente"

— To make a place or social gathering more lively.

A chegada das crianças alegrou o ambiente da casa.

Neutral

"Fazer as alegrias de"

— To be the source of pride or joy for someone.

Aquele jogador faz as alegrias da torcida.

Informal

"Chorar de alegria"

— To be so happy that you cry.

A mãe chorou de alegria ao ver o filho formado.

Neutral

Easily Confused

alegrar-se vs Felicitar

Sounds like 'felicidade' (happiness).

'Felicitar' means to congratulate someone, while 'alegrar-se' is to feel happy yourself.

Eu o felicitei pelo prêmio, e me alegrei com o seu sucesso.

alegrar-se vs Alargar

Spelling is similar.

'Alargar' means to widen or enlarge something. It has nothing to do with emotions.

Preciso alargar estas calças, mas isso não me alegra nada.

alegrar-se vs Aleger

Non-existent word often invented by learners.

The correct verb is 'eleger' (to elect) or 'alegrar' (to cheer up).

Vamos eleger o novo presidente e alegrar-nos com a democracia.

alegrar-se vs Contentar

Related to 'contente' (happy).

'Contentar' is to satisfy, while 'alegrar-se' is to rejoice. 'Contentar-se' often implies settling for something.

Ele se contentou com o empate, mas eu me alegrei com a nossa performance.

alegrar-se vs Gozar

Means to enjoy.

In many contexts, 'gozar' means 'to enjoy' or 'to mock,' but it doesn't describe the reflexive process of cheering up like 'alegrar-se'.

Ele gosta de gozar a vida, mas alegra-se mesmo é com a família.

Sentence Patterns

Eu me alegro.

Eu me alegro com você.

[Subject] se alegrou com [Noun].

Ela se alegrou com o bolo.

Espero que [Subject] se alegre.

Espero que tu te alegres.

Alegro-me por [Infinitive].

Alegro-me por ver-te.

Se [Subject] [Imperfect Subj.], se alegraria.

Se ele viesse, eu me alegraria.

Alegramo-nos em [Infinitive].

Alegramo-nos em ajudar.

Alegro-me de que [Subjunctive].

Alegro-me de que tenhas vindo.

Quem se não alegraria com [Noun]?

Quem se não alegraria com tal beleza?

Word Family

Nouns

alegria (joy)

alegrão (great joy)

alegre (happy person)

Verbs

alegrar (to make happy)

realegrar (to make happy again)

Adjectives

alegre (happy/cheerful)

alegremente (happily)

alegre-se (imperative/adjective-like)

felicidade

contente

sorriso

festa

regozijo

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in both spoken and written Portuguese, though 'ficar feliz' is more frequent in casual Brazilian speech.

Common Mistakes

Eu alegro com a notícia. → Eu me alegro com a notícia.
You must use the reflexive pronoun 'me' because the action of cheering up is happening to you.
Alegro-me para você. → Alegro-me por você.
To say 'happy for you,' the correct preposition is 'por,' not 'para.'
Nós nos alegramos-nos. → Nós nos alegramos (BP) / Alegramo-nos (EP).
Don't double the pronoun. Use it either before or after, but not both. Also, in EP, the 's' is dropped in the suffix.
Me alegro! → Alegro-me! (Formal/EP)
In formal Portuguese and European Portuguese, you cannot start a sentence with a reflexive pronoun.
Espero que você alegre-se. → Espero que você se alegre.
The word 'que' triggers proclisis, meaning the pronoun must come before the verb.

Tips

Pronoun Agreement

Always make sure the reflexive pronoun matches the subject. 'Eu me alegro,' 'Tu te alegras,' 'Nós nos alegramos.' Mixing them up is a common beginner mistake.

Brazilian vs. European

In Brazil, say 'Eu me alegro.' In Portugal, say 'Alegro-me.' Learning this small difference will make you sound much more like a local.

Use Synonyms

Don't just stick to 'alegrar-se.' Try 'animar-se' when you're excited about a party, or 'regozijar-se' when you want to sound very formal and happy.

Email Professionalism

Use 'Alegramo-nos em...' to start a positive announcement in a business email. it's much more professional than 'Estamos felizes'.

Intonation Matters

When you say 'Alegra-te!', put a bit of energy into it. Portuguese is a musical language, and your emotion should match the meaning of the word.

The Negative Rule

In both Brazil and Portugal, if you use a negative word like 'não' or 'nunca,' the pronoun always comes before the verb: 'Não me alegro.'

Listen for 'Se'

The word 'se' can mean many things in Portuguese. If it follows or precedes 'alegrar,' it's almost certainly the reflexive pronoun.

Subjunctive Practice

Practice 'alegrar-se' with 'que.' 'Espero que você se alegre.' This is a great way to master both the verb and the subjunctive mood.

The Allegro Connection

Remember 'Allegro' from music class. It means fast and happy. 'Alegrar' comes from the same root. Joy makes your heart beat faster!

The Soft 'R'

In the word 'alegrar,' the 'r' is a single tap of the tongue. Don't roll it like in Spanish, and don't make it hard like in English.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the word 'Allegro' in music, which means fast and cheerful. When you 'alegrar-se,' you are putting your heart in an 'Allegro' mood!

Visual Association

Imagine a person standing under a bright sun with arms wide open, a literal 'reflex' of the sun's joy reflecting on them.

Word Web

alegre alegria alegrar alegremente regozijo felicidade sorrir brilhar

Challenge

Try to use 'alegrar-se' three times today: once for a friend, once for a small thing like coffee, and once for a future plan.

Word Origin

Derived from the Vulgar Latin 'alacer' or 'alacris,' meaning 'lively,' 'brisk,' or 'eager.' It entered Portuguese through the Old Portuguese 'alegre.'

Original meaning: To be brisk, lively, or full of energy.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

Generally a very positive word, but avoid using it mockingly toward someone who is suffering, as it can sound insensitive.

English speakers often use 'I'm happy' for everything. Portuguese distinguishes between the state (estar) and the reflexive action (alegrar-se).

The song 'Alegria, Alegria' by Caetano Veloso (a Tropicália masterpiece). Religious texts like the Bible (Portuguese version) use 'Alegrai-vos' frequently. The Cirque du Soleil show 'Alegría' uses the Portuguese/Spanish word for its theme.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Receiving good news

Alegro-me com a notícia.
Que bom! Alegro-me por ti.
Não podia alegrar-me mais.
Todos nos alegramos com isso.

Encouraging a friend

Alegra-te!
Tens de te alegrar.
Não te deixes abater, alegra-te.
Vais ver que te vais alegrar logo.

Formal announcements

Alegramo-nos em informar...
A empresa alegra-se com o resultado.
Alegro-me em participar.
É com prazer que me alegro.

Religious/Festive settings

Alegrai-vos no Senhor.
Alegremo-nos todos hoje.
O mundo se alegra.
Coração que se alegra.

Reflecting on life

Alegro-me com o que tenho.
É preciso saber alegrar-se.
Alegro-me de estar aqui.
Alegro-me com o sol.

Conversation Starters

"Com o que é que você mais se alegra no seu dia a dia?"

"Você se alegra com facilidade ou é uma pessoa mais séria?"

"Alegra-se mais com grandes conquistas ou com pequenas coisas?"

"Como é que os seus amigos se alegram quando você dá boas notícias?"

"Você se alegra quando viaja para lugares novos?"

Journal Prompts

Escreve sobre um momento em que te alegraste profundamente com o sucesso de outra pessoa.

Quais são as três coisas que sempre te fazem alegrar-se, não importa o quê?

Descreve como o teu corpo se sente quando começas a alegrar-se com algo.

Reflete sobre a importância de alegrar-se com as pequenas vitórias diárias.

Como é que a cultura do teu país ensina as pessoas a alegrar-se?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, it is common, but in casual conversation, Brazilians often prefer 'ficar feliz.' However, 'alegrar-se' is still widely used in writing, formal speech, and songs. For example, 'Eu me alegro muito por você' is perfectly natural in Brazil.

'Alegrar' (without the reflexive pronoun) means to make someone or something else happy. For example, 'A sua visita alegrou o meu dia' (Your visit made my day happy). 'Alegrar-se' means you are feeling the happiness yourself: 'Eu me alegrei com a sua visita' (I was happy with your visit).

Use 'com' for things, situations, or events: 'Alegro-me com o sol.' Use 'por' when you are happy on behalf of someone else or for a specific reason regarding a person: 'Alegro-me por ti' (I'm happy for you).

In an informal setting, you can say 'Alegra-te!' (Portugal) or 'Se alegre!' / 'Fica alegre!' (Brazil). In a more formal setting, use 'Alegre-se!'.

Yes, 'alegrar-se' is considered more sophisticated and expressive. While 'estar feliz' is a simple state, 'alegrar-se' implies an active response or a process of feeling joy.

Absolutely. It is very common to see phrases like 'Alegramo-nos em informar...' (We are happy to inform...) or 'Alegro-me com o sucesso da nossa parceria.' It sounds professional and polite.

In European Portuguese, when you add 'nos' to the end of the 'nós' form, you drop the final 's' of the verb. So, 'alegramos' + 'nos' becomes 'alegramo-nos.' This is a specific grammar rule for all reflexive verbs.

Yes, especially when followed by an infinitive verb. 'Alegro-me de saber que estás bem' (I am glad to know you are well) is a very common and correct construction.

'Alegrar-se' is about joy and happiness. 'Animar-se' is more about getting excited, motivated, or cheering up when you were previously feeling down or bored.

Yes, very frequently. In Portuguese translations of the Bible, you will often see 'Alegrai-vos no Senhor' (Rejoice in the Lord). It is the standard word for 'rejoice' in a spiritual context.