patético
“patético” means “pathetic” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
pathetic
Also: lame, miserable
📝 In Action
Su excusa para llegar tarde fue completamente patética.
B1His excuse for being late was completely pathetic (ridiculous).
No puedo creer que esa empresa haya hecho un trabajo tan patético.
B2I can't believe that company did such a pathetic job.
Dejó un mensaje de voz tan patético que borré mi número.
B2He left such a miserable/lame voicemail that I deleted my number.
moving, pitiable
Also: poignant
📝 In Action
El discurso del anciano sobre la guerra fue profundamente patético.
C1The old man's speech about the war was profoundly moving (pitiable).
La escena final, con la música lenta, era patética y nos hizo llorar.
C2The final scene, with the slow music, was moving and made us cry.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "patético" in Spanish:
poignant→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: patético
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'patético' in its older, formal sense (Meaning 2: deeply moving/pitiable)?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
This word comes from the Greek word *pathos*, which means 'suffering' or 'feeling.' Originally, it described something that evoked strong, deep emotion (like pity or sorrow). Over time, its meaning shifted in common use to describe something that tries to be moving or impressive but fails so badly it only causes contempt or ridicule.
First recorded: 18th century (in its current Spanish form)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'patético' a strong insult in Spanish?
Yes, when used in its most common meaning (ridiculously inadequate), 'patético' is a strong negative judgment, similar to calling something 'lame' or 'a disaster.' It implies contempt for how terrible something is.
How do I say 'I feel pathetic' in Spanish?
If you mean you feel ridiculously inadequate, you would say 'Me siento patético/a.' If you mean you feel genuinely pitiful or sad, you might use 'Me siento miserable' or 'Me doy lástima' (I pity myself).