compasión
kohm-pah-see-OHN
📝 In Action
Mostró compasión por los prisioneros y les dio agua.
B1She showed compassion for the prisoners and gave them water.
La compasión nos impulsa a ayudar a los demás.
B2Compassion drives us to help others.
Es importante tener compasión incluso por nuestros enemigos.
C1It is important to have compassion even for our enemies.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Rule
Even though 'compasión' ends in -ón, it is feminine. Nouns ending in -sión, -ción, -dad, -tad, -tud, -umbre, and -ez are almost always feminine in Spanish.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Compasión vs. Lástima
Mistake: "Using 'compasión' when you just mean 'what a shame' or simple pity."
Correction: Use 'lástima' (or 'pena') for simple pity or a feeling of regret. 'Compasión' is reserved for deep, active sympathy that often leads to action. Correct usage: 'Me da lástima que no pueda venir.' (I feel pity/It's a shame that he can't come.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Verbs of Feeling
To express that you have this quality, use 'tener': 'Tengo compasión.' To express the act of experiencing the feeling, use 'sentir': 'Siento compasión por su dolor.'
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: compasión
Question 1 of 2
Which verb is typically used to say you *possess* the quality of 'compasión'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'compasión' a strong word?
Yes, 'compasión' is a strong word. It implies a profound feeling of sympathy that motivates a person to act kindly or help, distinguishing it from simple pity.