patético
/pah-TEH-tee-koh/
pathetic
Patético (pathetic) describes something ridiculously inadequate or terrible, like this uselessly small hammer.
patético(Adjective)
pathetic
?ridiculously inadequate or terrible
lame
?slang/poor quality
,miserable
?very poor effort or quality
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
Like most Spanish adjectives, 'patético' changes its ending to match the thing it describes: 'patético' (masculine singular), 'patética' (feminine singular), 'patéticos' (masculine plural), and 'patéticas' (feminine plural).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing with 'Paciencia'
Mistake: "Using 'patético' when you mean 'patience' (paciencia)."
Correction: 'Patético' relates to strong feelings or pity/contempt, not waiting. If you mean you lack patience, use 'impaciente'.
⭐ Usage Tips
The Negative Tone
In modern Spanish, this word almost always carries a strong, negative judgment, meaning something is so bad it's embarrassing. Use it carefully!
Patético (moving) can also describe something deeply emotionally affecting, like this tender moment of affection.
patético(Adjective)
moving
?emotionally affecting
,pitiable
?arousing pity
poignant
?evoking sadness or regret
📝 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.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
If you are reading old literature or formal criticism, 'patético' might be used in this older, more serious sense. If you hear it in the street, assume it means 'ridiculous' (Meaning 1).
✏️ 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
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).