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"Ser" is a copular verb which is often translated as "to be", and "estar contento" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to be happy". Learn more about the difference between "ser" and "estar contento" below.
ser(
sehr
)A copular verb links the subject of a clause to the predicate (e.g., My brother is tall).
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to be made of
El casillero antiguo de mi abuela es de roble.My grandma's antique dresser is made of oak.
a. to root for
Yo soy del mejor equipo del mundo: FC Barcelona.I root for the best team in the world: FC Barcelona.
An impersonal verb is a verb with no apparent subject (e.g., Llueve en España.).
a. to be
Son las siete de la mañana.It is seven in the morning.
Era de noche cuando llegaron.It was night when they arrived.
An auxiliary verb, or helper verb, is a conjugated verb that comes before a main verb and determines the main verb's tense, mood, or aspect (e.g., I have gone.).
a. to be
El edificio fue diseñado por un equipo de arquitectos.The building was built by a team of architects.
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
estar contento(
ehs
-
tahr
kohn
-
tehn
-
toh
)An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
a. to be pleased
Estoy contento de que el problema entre Carla y Laura se haya resuelto de forma amistosa.I'm pleased that the problem between Carla and Laura was solved amicably.
b. to be glad
Claude está contento de que hayas decidido no vender tus acciones en la empresa.Claude is glad you decided not to sell your company shares.
a. to be satisfied
Me ha quedado bien el cuadro, pero no estoy del todo contento. Tengo que retocarlo un poco.The painting looks good, but I'm not totally satisfied. I need to touch it up a bit.
b. to be content
Si no estás contento con la vida que llevas, trata de cambiarla.If you're not content with the life you're leading, try to change it.
