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"Alegrar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to cheer up", and "alegrarse de" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to be happy". Learn more about the difference between "alegrar" and "alegrarse de" below.
alegrar(
ah
-
leh
-
grahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
b. to make happy
Nos alegraste mucho con la noticia de que vamos a ser abuelos.You've made us really happy with the news that we're going to be grandparents.
2. (to enliven)
alegrarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
3. (to rejoice)
c. to be glad
Me alegro de que lo preguntes, porque me había olvidado de mencionarlo.I'm glad you ask, since I had forgotten to mention it.
a. to get tipsy (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Una cerveza no es suficiente para alegrarme.One beer is not enough to get me tipsy.
b. to get merry (colloquial) (United Kingdom)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Se alegró con solo un sorbo de vino.She got merry with just one sip of wine.
alegrarse de(
ah
-
leh
-
grahr
-
seh
deh
)A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
1. (general)
a. to be happy
Todos se alegraron de que hubiera vuelto a casa sana y salva.Everybody was happy that she had safely returned home.
b. to be pleased
Me alegro muchísimo de verte bien.I'm really pleased to see you're doing well.
Nos alegramos de que hayan podido venir.We're pleased you could come.
