desolado
“desolado” means “heartbroken” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
heartbroken
Also: devastated
📝 In Action
Juan está desolado por la pérdida de su gato.
A2Juan is heartbroken over the loss of his cat.
Me sentí desolada cuando escuché las noticias.
B1I felt devastated when I heard the news.
Quedó desolado al saber que no había aprobado el examen.
B2He was devastated to find out he hadn't passed the exam.
desolate
Also: deserted
📝 In Action
Caminamos por un paisaje desolado después del incendio.
B1We walked through a desolate landscape after the fire.
La ciudad parecía desolada a las tres de la mañana.
B2The city seemed deserted at three in the morning.
Es una isla hermosa pero desolada, sin habitantes.
C1It is a beautiful but desolate island, without inhabitants.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: desolado
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence is correct if you want to say you are heartbroken?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From Latin 'desolatus', the past participle of 'desolare' (to leave alone). It combines 'de-' (thoroughly) and 'solus' (alone).
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'triste' and 'desolado'?
'Triste' is simply 'sad'. 'Desolado' is much stronger, like being completely devastated or having no hope left.
Can I use 'desolado' for things other than people and places?
Usually, it is limited to people (feelings) and places (appearance). You wouldn't typically use it for objects like a 'desolated chair' unless you are being very poetic.
How do I make it feminine?
Simply change the 'o' at the end to an 'a': 'Ella está desolada'.