misericordia
“misericordia” means “mercy” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
mercy, compassion
Also: pity
📝 In Action
El juez mostró misericordia y redujo la sentencia del acusado.
B2The judge showed mercy and reduced the defendant's sentence.
La religión enseña la importancia de la misericordia hacia el prójimo.
C1Religion teaches the importance of compassion toward one's neighbor.
Good heavens!, Oh, my god!
Also: Mercy!
📝 In Action
¡Misericordia! ¡Qué susto me has dado al aparecer así!
B1Good heavens! What a fright you gave me by appearing like that!
Misericordia, ¿viste el precio de esa casa?
B1Oh, my god, did you see the price of that house?
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: misericordia
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'misericordia' to express surprise or shock?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes directly from the Latin *misericordia*, which is a combination of *miser* (wretched or pitiable) and *cor* (heart). Literally, it means 'a heart for the wretched,' explaining why the word carries such moral weight.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'misericordia' used in everyday conversation?
The noun form ('mercy/compassion') is generally reserved for formal, religious, or serious discussions about justice or forgiveness. The interjection form ('Good heavens!') is more common in everyday, though often dramatic, speech.