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"Está contenta" is a phrase which is often translated as "she's happy", and "triste" is an adjective which is often translated as "sad". Learn more about the difference between "está contenta" and "triste" below.
está contenta(
ehs
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tah
kohn
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tehn
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tah
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. she's happy
La jefa está muy simpática hoy. - Sí, está contenta porque se va de vacaciones.The boss is very friendly today. - Yes, she's happy because she's going on vacation.
b. is happy
Isabel está contenta porque va a ser abuela.Isabel is happy because she's going to become a grandmother.
2. (formal) (you're joyful; second person singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
a. you're happy
¡Qué guapa se pone usted cuando está contenta!You look so beautiful when you're happy!
a. she's pleased
La profesora nos ha dicho que este trimestre está contenta con nuestro trabajo.The teacher has told us she's pleased with our work this term.
b. is pleased
Laura está muy contenta con su nuevo trabajo. Es interesante y gana mucho dinero.Laura is very pleased with her new job. It's interesting, and she's earning a lot of money.
4. (formal) (you're glad; second person singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
a. you're pleased
Si está tan contenta con la casa, ¿por qué quiere venderla?If you're so pleased with the house, why do you want to sell it?
triste(
trees
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teh
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
1. (unhappy)
b. melancholy
Estaba muy triste porque no iba a volver a verlo.She felt very melancholy because she was not going to see him again.
2. (dreary)
a. gloomy
Qué triste está este cuarto con las ventanas cerradas.This room looks very gloomy with the windows closed.
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
a. sad song
No me gusta escuchar tristes los domingos por la noche.I do not like to listen to sad songs on Sunday evenings.