Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pesar | /peˈsaɾ/ | masculine |
| pesadumbre | /pesaˈdumbɾe/ | feminine |
| pena | /ˈpena/ | feminine |
| quebranto | /keˈbɾanto/ | masculine |
| acíbar | /aˈθibaɾ/ /aˈsibaɾ/ |
masculine |
All these terms describe a state of unhappiness or sorrow, but they vary significantly in their nuance. While they all capture a sense of sadness, some focus on regret, some on intense grief and others on the bitterness of life. Additionally, the common phrase dar pena is used idiomatically to mean 'to feel sorry for someone' or 'to be a pity/shame'.
Which one should you use?
The forms differ by nuance and intensity. Pena is the most versatile and common word, often covering 'sorrow', 'pity' or 'shame' depending on the situation. Pesar is a more formal option that often carries a nuance of regret or a heavy feeling of remorse. Pesadumbre is a literary term used to describe a deep, heavy or lingering state of grief. Quebranto is a formal term implying a sorrow that 'breaks' or weakens a person, often linked to an emotional or physical breakdown. Finally, acíbar is a highly poetic and archaic term used to describe a bitter sorrow or the bitterness of life.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For general, everyday use, pena is the most common and versatile choice. Pesar and quebranto are more formal, while pesadumbre and acíbar are reserved for literary or highly poetic contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
Pesar and quebranto are masculine nouns, while pesadumbre and pena are feminine nouns. Acíbar is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/peˈsaɾ/
Did you know?
- The word pena is a linguistic cousin of the English word 'penalty'. Both derive from the Latin 'poena' and the Ancient Greek 'poinḗ', which referred to a punishment or a price paid for a crime.
- The poetic term acíbar literally refers to a bitter substance or aloe. When used to describe sorrow, it treats emotional pain as a physical taste of bitterness in the mouth.
- In Spanish, pena can describe a wide spectrum of feelings from deep mourning to a simple sense of embarrassment or shyness, depending on the region and context.
Examples in context
- Él estaba cegado de la pena.He was blind with sorrow.This sentence shows how one might be overwhelmed by the feeling of pena.Tatoeba #3300700 by gianich73, translation #302927 by mattlb92
- Deja que la lluvia ahoge tu pena.Let the rain drown out your sorrow.This sentence uses pena in a metaphorical sense regarding nature and sadness.Tatoeba #5699977 by albrusgher, translation #531949 by FeuDRenais
- La alegría estaba mezclada con pena.Joy was mingled with sorrow.This sentence describes the mixing of two different emotions using pena.Tatoeba #6855422 by albrusgher, translation #20680 by shekitten
- La tristeza invadió su corazón al recibir la trágica noticia.Sorrow filled his heart upon receiving the tragic news.
- Expresamos nuestra más profunda tristeza por la pérdida del querido líder.We express our deepest sorrow for the loss of our beloved leader.
- La pena que siente es inmensa tras lo sucedido.The sorrow/regret one feels is immense after what happened.
- El dolor que lleva en su corazón es insoportable.The sorrow/pain he carries in his heart is unbearable.
- Me da mucha pena lo que está pasando.I feel a lot of sorrow for what is happening.
- Estoy viviendo una tristeza profunda.I am experiencing deep sorrow/sadness.
- El pesar que siente se refleja en su rostro.The sorrow/grief he feels is reflected on his face.
- La noticia del fallecimiento llenó a todos de luto y tristeza.The news of the death left everyone in mourning and sorrow.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a recent loss.
- SofíaSiento mucho el pesar que tienes hoy.I am very sorry for the sorrow you have today.
- JavierGracias, Sofía, es un momento muy difícil.Thank you, Sofía, it is a very difficult moment.
- SofíaEl tiempo ayudará a aliviar ese pesar.Time will help ease that sorrow.
- JavierEspero que tengas razón, Javier lo aprecia.I hope you are right, Javier appreciates it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sorrow” translations and entries pesar, pesadumbre, pena, quebranto, acíbar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pena, pesadumbre, pesar, quebranto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
