Spanish Phrase
Me alegra devolverte el favor.
Meaning
The sentence means “I’m glad to return the favor.” It expresses personal satisfaction at being able to reciprocate a kindness that someone else has done for you.
When to use
Use this phrase after someone has helped you and you want to let them know you’re happy to repay that kindness. It works in informal conversations with friends, family, or colleagues, and can also be used in semi‑formal settings when the relationship is friendly.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Mealegradevolverteelfavor
Me (indirect object pronoun)
The pronoun 'me' indicates the person who experiences the feeling; it functions as an indirect object of the verb agradar.
Alegra (verb agradar)
Agradar is a transitive verb that takes an indirect object pronoun; 'Me alegra' means 'It makes me happy'.
Devolverte (infinitive + clitic)
The infinitive 'devolver' (to return) is attached to the clitic pronoun 'te' (to you). The order 'devolverte' is perfectly grammatical, though 'devolverte' is more common in everyday speech.
El favor (noun phrase)
A 'favor' is a kind act; the definite article 'el' specifies a particular favor that has already been mentioned or is understood from context.
🗨In Conversation
Me alegra devolverte el favor.
I’m glad to return the favor.
¡Gracias! Lo aprecio mucho.
Thank you! I really appreciate it.
✕Common Mistakes
Me alegro devolverte el favor.
Agradar is not reflexive; you must use 'Me alegra' (it makes me happy), not 'Me alegro' (I am happy).
Me alegra devolverte el favor.
Both 'devolverte' and 'devolverte' are correct, but mixing the clitic position with a different verb form can cause confusion. Keep the clitic attached to the infinitive.
↔Alternatives
Me complace devolverte el favor.
I’m pleased to return the favor.
Estoy contento de devolverte el favor.
I’m happy to return the favor.
Me da gusto devolverte el favor.
It gives me pleasure to return the favor.
Cultural Tip
Reciprocity is a core value in many Spanish‑speaking cultures; offering to "devolver el favor" signals respect and strengthens social bonds. While "Me alegra" is perfectly natural in casual speech, in more formal contexts you might prefer "Me complace" or "Me satisface" to sound more polished.