Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| lástima | /ˈlastima/ | feminine |
| piedad | /pjeˈdad/ |
Both words describe a feeling of sympathy. You can use the verb phrase dar lástima to say that something or someone 'evokes pity' or is 'pitiful'. To express the action of feeling pity for someone, you can use the verbs tener(le) lástima, compadecer (se de) or apiadar (se de).
Which one should you use?
Lástima is the standard, everyday word used for both 'pity' and 'shame' (for example, saying 'it is a pity that…'). In contrast, piedad carries a much stronger, more formal or religious connotation, often translated as 'mercy'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the phrase Pena ajena is used to mean 'vicarious shame'. In Mexico and some other Latin American countries, Qué mala onda is a common way to say 'what bad luck'. In Spain and some Latin American countries, Ten compasión is used to mean 'have compassion'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the exclamation 'what a pity' or 'that's too bad', use the phrase qué lástima.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈlastima/
Did you know?
- The word lástima shares a root with the verb lastimar, which means 'to hurt' or 'to damage'.
- In certain Latin American contexts, the word pena can mean both 'pity' and 'shyness' or 'embarrassment'.
- While lástima is the standard word for 'pity', if you say you feel lástima for a person, you might sound like you are looking down on them. In many contexts, it can imply a sense of condescension rather than pure empathy.
Examples in context
- Ten piedad de mí.Show pity on me.This sentence is useful for showing how to use piedad to ask for mercy.Tatoeba #1535412 by marcelostockle, translation #1448495 by CM
- Ella tuvo lástima por él.She took pity on him.This sentence demonstrates how to use lástima to express taking pity on someone.Tatoeba #1507445 by marcelostockle, translation #887467 by CK
- Es una lástima que no lo sepas.It is a great pity that you don't know it.This sentence shows how to use lástima to express that something is a pity.Tatoeba #731586 by Shishir, translation #17993 by J_S
- Qué lástima que no pudiste asistir a la fiesta.What a pity you couldn't attend the party.
- Es una pena que hayan perdido el partido.It's a shame they lost the game.
- Me apena escuchar sobre tu pérdida.It saddens me to hear about your loss.
- Es triste ver cómo sufren tantas personas.It's sad to see how many people are suffering.
- Qué pena que no hayas podido venir a la reunión.What a shame you couldn't come to the gathering.
- Es una lástima que no ganaran el concurso.It's a pity they didn't win the contest.
- Me da pena verte en esa situación difícil.It makes me feel sorry to see you in that tough situation.
- Lo siento mucho por la pérdida de tu mascota.I'm really sorry for the loss of your pet.
- ¡Qué mala onda! Perdiste tu trabajo.What bad luck! You lost your job.
- 28 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are discussing a neighbor's difficult situation.
- LucíaMe da mucha lástima la situación de la vecina.I feel a lot of pity for the neighbor's situation.
- AlejandroEs verdad, Lucía, es un caso muy triste.It is true, Lucía, it is a very sad case.
- Lucía¿Crees que deberíamos ayudarla?Do you think we should help her?
- AlejandroSí, sería bueno hacer algo por ella.Yes, it would be good to do something for her.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pity” translations and entries lástima, piedad, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lástima, piedad, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
