Using 'de' for direct suffering

Both mean 'to suffer,' but 'padecer' often suggests suffering from a specific, usually chronic, condition or disease, while 'sufrir' is more general.

Sufrir vs. Padecer

You can use 'sufrir' for both emotional pain (sufrir por amor) and physical pain (sufrir una herida).

Emotional vs. Physical

Extremely common. Used daily to describe pain, sadness, or difficulty.

Confusing 'soportar'

In this context, the subject performing 'sufrir' is often an inanimate object, like 'el puente' (the bridge) or 'la economía' (the economy).

Non-Human Subjects

If you are talking about money or business, 'sufrir' is the perfect verb for talking about financial losses or reductions.

Financial Context

Common in formal, business, or news contexts when discussing damage or loss.

Learn the Spanish verb 'sufrir' (to suffer). Covers physical/emotional pain (B1) and the figurative meaning 'to sustain damage or loss' (B2), complete with conjugations and examples.

sufrir

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations