happy person or merry person?

[Elisa]

a merry person or a happy person? Could you tell me the right translation, please?

Thanks a lot.

[TheStephen]

Either is correct. :)

[Elisa]

Thanks, but why we never read "a merry person" on English books?
We usually hear Merry Xmas but not a merry girl. Is it USA?

[TheStephen]

Most people say happy, though merry is also correct. There is, at least where I live, a subtle difference in meaning. Merry means obviously or visibly happy, like in the context of merriment at a party, where everyone is laughing and smiling and enjoying themselves. Happy is less specific. A merry person might smile a lot, or laugh readily, or make easy conversation.

[Elisa]

Thanks, you are very kind.

[TheStephen]

Thanks yourself! Any time.