piedad
/pjeˈdad/feminine
The Spanish word for mercy is piedad. Wiktionary also lists misericordia.
Meaning: forgiveness or compassion (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| piedad | /pjeˈdad/ | feminine |
| misericordia | /miseɾiˈkoɾdja/ | feminine |
The word refers to forgiveness or compassion. To express the idea of 'to have mercy on' someone, use the phrase tener piedad de.
Which one should you use?
While piedad is the common word for mercy or pity, misericordia is a more formal and often religious term implying deep compassion or divine mercy. The word compasión can be used as a synonym for piedad when the context focuses on feeling sympathy for someone's suffering.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
piedad is a feminine noun, so adjectives describing it must use feminine endings, such as mucha piedad.
How do you pronounce it?
/pjeˈdad/
Did you know?
- The word piedad is also a common female given name in several Spanish-speaking countries.
- In Spanish, the phrase no tener piedad is used not only for cruelty but also to describe a ruthless but effective sports performance.
- The word piedad is a direct descendant of the Latin pietātem, which originally referred to the duty children owed their parents.
Examples in context
- ¡Tened piedad de mí!Have mercy on me!This sentence shows how to use piedad in a plea for mercy.Tatoeba #1236817 by Shishir, translation #1640717 by kerbear407
- Unas abejas nos atacaron sin piedad.Some bees attacked us without mercy.This sentence illustrates using piedad to mean a lack of mercy in an attack.Tatoeba #10473275 by arh, translation #12982279 by rul
- El abogado defensor pidió piedad para el condenado.The defense attorney asked for mercy for the condemned man.This sentence demonstrates a legal context where piedad is requested for someone.Tatoeba #2268089 by cueyayotl, translation #2268088 by _undertoad
- Por favor, ten misericordia de míPlease, have mercy on me
- Dame clemencia, por favorGive me mercy, please
- Ten piedad de mí, por favorHave mercy on me, please
- Señor Juez, le pido misericordiaYour Honor, I ask for mercy
- ¡Ten piedad! Sé que no lo hiciste a propósitoHave mercy! I know you didn't do it on purpose
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena is asking Daniel for a second chance after a mistake.
- ElenaDaniel, por favor, ten piedad de mí.Daniel, please, have mercy on me.
- DanielNo sé si puedo perdonarte esta vez.I don't know if I can forgive you this time.
- ElenaPrometo que no volverá a pasar.I promise it won't happen again.
- DanielEstá bien, Elena, tendré piedad.Alright, Elena, I will have mercy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mercy” translations and entries piedad, misericordia, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries misericordia, piedad, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
