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Questions & Answers about Я очень рад.
Why is there no word for 'am' in this sentence?
In Russian, the verb 'to be' is skipped in the present tense. So instead of saying 'I am very glad', you literally just say 'I very glad' (Я очень рад).
Would a woman say this sentence exactly the same way?
No. The word рад (glad) changes depending on the gender of the speaker. A man says Я очень рад, but a woman would add an 'a' at the end and say Я очень рада. If a group of people were speaking, they would say Мы очень рады.
Can I use рад before a noun, like 'a glad person'?
No. рад is a special kind of adjective called a 'short form' adjective. It is never placed directly before a noun. It is only used after a subject to describe a temporary feeling or state you are in right now.