lástima
“lástima” means “pity” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
pity, shame
Also: compassion, regret
📝 In Action
Le di algo de dinero por lástima, se veía muy triste.
A2I gave him some money out of pity; he looked very sad.
Siento lástima por la gente que tiene que trabajar en la calle bajo la lluvia.
B1I feel sympathy for the people who have to work on the street in the rain.
What a shame!, That's a pity
Also: Too bad, What a disappointment
📝 In Action
¡Qué lástima! Se nos acabó la pizza antes de que llegaras.
A2What a shame! We ran out of pizza before you arrived.
Es una lástima que no exista una solución fácil.
B1It's a pity that an easy solution doesn't exist.
Lástima que el concierto haya sido cancelado.
B2Too bad the concert was canceled.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "lástima" in Spanish:
too bad→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: lástima
Question 1 of 1
Which of these sentences uses 'lástima' to express regret or disappointment?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the verb 'lastimar' (to hurt). This verb, in turn, comes from the Latin word 'laesitare,' meaning 'to strike' or 'to wound.' So, 'lástima' literally means 'a wound' or 'a hurt feeling' transferred to someone else.
First recorded: 13th century (in its verb form)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'pena' or 'lástima' more common when saying 'What a shame'?
Both are extremely common and often interchangeable! '¡Qué pena!' is perhaps used more broadly across different regions of Latin America. '¡Qué lástima!' is also universally understood and frequently used, especially when referring to a disappointment or misfortune.
How is 'lástima' related to the English word 'last'?
They are completely unrelated. 'Lástima' comes from Latin words meaning 'injury' or 'hurt,' whereas the English word 'last' comes from Old English and Germanic roots related to 'to follow' or 'a track'.