compasivo
/kompaˈsibo/
The English word "compassionate" is translated into Spanish as compasivo.
The adjective compasivo is used to describe someone who has, feels or shows compassion. If you wish to refer to the emotion itself, the noun form is compasión.
Meaning: having, feeling or showing compassion (adj)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, it is more common to use the word solidario(a) instead of compasivo(a) to convey compassion.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender with the noun it describes, so use the feminine form compasiva for feminine nouns. The masculine plural form compasivos is used when describing a group of men or a mixed-gender group. The feminine plural form compasivas is used when describing a group consisting only of females.
How do you pronounce it?
/kompaˈsibo/
Did you know?
- The noun compasión is a cognate of the English 'compassion', and both share a Latin root meaning 'to suffer with' from the words com meaning 'with' and passio meaning 'suffering'.
- The word compadecer can sometimes sound patronizing to a native speaker. While it means to feel compassion, it can carry a heavy connotation of 'pitying' someone from a position of superiority.
- The adjective compasivo is frequently reserved for high-level religious or formal texts. In daily conversation, people are much more likely to use verbs or different adjectives to describe being kind or empathetic.
Examples in context
- Yanni fue más compasivo.Yanni was more compassionate.This sentence demonstrates the use of compasivo in a comparative context.Tatoeba #10031367 by manufrutos, translation #10031233 by Amastan
- Mi jefe es una persona muy empáticaMy boss is a very compassionate person
- Ella siempre muestra un corazón bondadosoShe always shows a compassionate heart
- Es muy considerada con los demásShe is very compassionate towards others
- Mi mejor amigo es muy comprensivoMy best friend is very compassionate
- Ella es una persona muy amable y compasivaShe is a very kind and compassionate person
- Él siempre muestra una actitud solidariaHe always shows a compassionate attitude
- Él es un hombre muy compasivo.He is a very compassionate man.
- Necesitamos un líder más compasivo.We need a more compassionate leader.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are discussing a mutual friend.
- AlejandroJuan siempre ayuda a los necesitados.Juan always helps those in need.
- SofíaSí, él es muy compasivo.Yes, he is very compassionate.
- AlejandroAdmiro mucho su bondad.I really admire his kindness.
- SofíaYo también lo admiro, Alejandro.I admire him too, Alejandro.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “compassionate” translations and entries compasivo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
