miseria
“miseria” means “poverty” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
poverty, destitution
Also: penury
📝 In Action
Mucha gente vive en la miseria absoluta en esa región.
B1Many people live in absolute poverty in that region.
La guerra dejó al país sumido en la miseria.
B2The war left the country plunged into destitution.
misery, wretchedness
Also: sorrow
📝 In Action
Sentía una gran miseria después de la pérdida de su mascota.
B2She felt great misery after the loss of her pet.
La miseria de su vida se reflejaba en sus ojos.
C1The wretchedness of his life was reflected in his eyes.
pittance, peanuts
Also: trifle
📝 In Action
Le pagaron una miseria por el trabajo de todo el mes.
C1They paid him a pittance for a whole month's work.
Solo había una miseria de pan en la nevera.
C1There was only a tiny bit of bread (a trifle) in the fridge.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: miseria
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'miseria' to mean 'a very small amount'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes directly from the Latin word *miseria*, meaning 'wretchedness, distress, or pity.' This word itself came from the Latin adjective *miser*, meaning 'wretched' or 'unhappy.' The core concept has always been about suffering or lack.
First recorded: 13th century (in Spanish)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'miseria' and 'pobreza'?
'Pobreza' (poverty) is the general term for lacking money or resources. 'Miseria' is much stronger; it usually means extreme, desperate, and painful poverty, or destitution. Use 'miseria' when you want to emphasize the severity of the lack.
Can 'miseria' be used to describe stinginess?
Yes, indirectly. The related adjective 'miserable' often means 'stingy' or 'cheap' in Spanish, referring to someone who gives a very small, insufficient amount (a 'miseria'). However, 'miseria' itself describes the state of lack or the small amount given, not the person's character.