qué lástima
/ke lastima/from spelling rules
The English phrase "what a pity" can be expressed in Spanish as qué lástima or qué pena.
Meaning: used to express regret (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| qué lástima | /ke lastima/ (from spelling rules) |
| qué pena | /ke pena/ (from spelling rules) |
Both phrases are used to express regret.
What does it mean word for word?
In the phrase qué lástima, the word lástima literally translates to "pity" or "shame" in the sense of a regrettable circumstance. In the phrase qué pena, the word pena can mean "pity", "shame" or "sorrow/pain" depending on the context.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, Uruguay and parts of Spain, the expression ¡Qué bajón! is also used to express disappointment.
How does it change in a sentence?
When these phrases are followed by a clause (e.g., qué lástima que…), they typically require the subjunctive mood in the following verb, such as qué lástima que no pueda venir.
Did you know?
- In Colombia and other Latin American countries, qué pena is frequently used to say 'I am sorry' or 'excuse me' when apologizing for a small mistake, rather than expressing pity.
- The word pena shares an ancient ancestor with the English word 'penalty' and the Latin 'poena', both of which relate to a punishment or a fine.
- In many Latin American countries, saying ¡Qué pena! can sometimes be interpreted as 'How embarrassing!' rather than just expressing sympathy.
Examples in context
- ¡Qué pena que no sepas bailar!What a pity you can't dance!This sentence uses qué pena.Tatoeba #2295445 by marcelostockle, translation #40319 by shanghainese
- ¡Qué lástima que no pueda venir!What a pity she can't come!This sentence uses qué lástima.Tatoeba #1132166 by Shishir, translation #308533 by CH
- ¡Qué lástima! Era un buen profesor. Que descanse en paz.What a pity! He was a good professor. May he rest in peace.Tatoeba #4426515 by Serafin, translation #4426110 by AlanF_US
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are talking about a cancelled outdoor concert.
- ElenaSe canceló el concierto por la lluvia.The concert was cancelled because of the rain.
- Mateo¡Qué lástima! Tenía muchas ganas de ir.What a pity! I really wanted to go.
- ElenaYo también, era una oportunidad única.Me too, it was a unique opportunity.
- MateoEs una verdadera pena.It is a real shame.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “what a pity” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lástima, pena, qué, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
