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"La alegría" is a form of "alegría", a noun which is often translated as "joy". "Reír" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to laugh". Learn more about the difference between "reír" and "la alegría" below.
reír(
rreh
-
eerr
)
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
intransitive verb
a. to laugh
Mi novio se echó a reír cuando le conté lo que me pasó.My boyfriend started laughing when I told him what happened to me.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
2. (to react with laughter)
Regionalism used in Spain
(Spain)
a. to laugh at
El niño es un trasto. Y no es de extrañar, ya que sus abuelos le ríen las gracias.The child is a rascal. And it's not surprising, given that his grandparents laugh at his antics.
reírse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
pronominal verb
a. to laugh
Nos lo pasamos muy bien y nos reímos como locos.We had a great time and we laughed like crazy.
a. to laugh at
No se rían de él; es mi hermano.Don't laugh at him; he's my brother.
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la alegría(
ah
-
leh
-
gree
-
ah
)
A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
feminine noun
a. joy
Me da alegría pasar las fiestas con mi hijo.It brings me joy to spend the holidays with my son.
b. happiness
Se llenó de alegría al ver su jardín floreciendo.She was filled with happiness when she saw her garden in bloom.
a. recklessness
Conduce su moto con demasiada alegría; ¡su pobre mamá ya no duerme!He rides his motorcycle with such recklessness his poor mother can't sleep anymore!
3. (culinary)
Regionalism used in Mexico
(Mexico)
a. amaranth bar
Mis primos me trajeron unas alegrías de México. ¿Las quieres probar?My cousins brought me some amaranth bars from Mexico. Do you want to try them?
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