Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| сострада́ние | sostradánije | neuter |
| сочу́вствие | sočúvstvije | neuter |
| сопережива́ние | sopereživánije | neuter |
All three forms represent different nuances of feeling for another person's situation. They all function as neuter nouns.
What does it mean word for word?
The word сострада́ние is composed of the prefix со- (meaning together or with) and the root страдать (meaning to suffer).
Which one should you use?
While they are related, the forms carry different shades of meaning. сострада́ние often carries a heavier, more solemn tone of pity or suffering together. сочу́вствие is a more common, everyday term for sympathy or empathy. сопережива́ние specifically emphasizes the act of 'living through' or emotionally experiencing what another person is feeling, which is the sense of empathy.
How does it change in a sentence?
Each of these terms is a neuter noun.
How do you pronounce it?
sostradánije
Did you know?
- The prefix со- used in сострада́ние and сопережива́ние is a cognate of the Latin prefix 'com-', as seen in the English word 'compassion'.
- While сострада́ние is a formal term for compassion, using it in a casual conversation might sound overly dramatic or even poetic, like saying 'I offer you my deepest condolences' to a friend who spilled coffee.
- In some contexts, using сострада́ние can be perceived as slightly patronizing because it implies a hierarchy where one person is 'above' the sufferer.
Examples in context
- Сострадание – это невероятно ценная черта.Compassion is an incredibly valuable trait.
- Я выражаю искреннее сострадание к вашей утрате.I express sincere compassion for your loss.
- Я сочувствую тебе в этой сложной ситуации.I sympathize with you in this difficult situation.
- Тебе трудно, и я это понимаю.You are going through a difficult time, and I understand.
- Без сострадания человек не полноценное существо.Without compassion, a person is not complete.
Example conversation
Andrey and Olga are talking about a difficult situation a friend is facing.
- Андрей AndreyБедная Анна, ей сейчас очень тяжело.Bednaya Anna, yey seychas ochen' tyazhelo.Poor Anna, things are very hard for her right now.
- Ольга OlgaДа, это вызывает искреннее сострада́ние.Da, eto vyzyvayet iskrenneye sostradaniye.Yes, it evokes sincere compassion.
- Андрей AndreyМы должны её поддержать.My dolzhny yeyo podderzhat'.We must support her.
- Ольга OlgaЯ согласна, Андрей. Позвоним ей сегодня.Ya soglasna, Andrey. Pozvonim yey segodnya.I agree, Andrey. Let's call her today.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “compassion” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
