penas
“penas” means “sorrows” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
sorrows, troubles
Also: hardships
📝 In Action
Ella canta para olvidar sus penas.
A2She sings to forget her sorrows.
A pesar de sus penas, siempre tiene una sonrisa.
B1Despite her troubles, she always has a smile.
penalties, sentences
Also: fines
📝 In Action
El código establece penas muy estrictas para ese robo.
B2The code establishes very strict penalties for that robbery.
El juez redujo las penas de los acusados.
C1The judge reduced the defendants' sentences.
you suffer, you punish
📝 In Action
Tú penas por un amor que ya no existe.
C1You suffer for a love that no longer exists.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
present
imperfect
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "penas" in Spanish:
fines→hardships→penalties→sentences→sorrows→troubles→you punish→you suffer→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: penas
Question 1 of 2
What does the phrase 'ahogar las penas' literally mean?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'poena,' which meant a fine or a penalty. Over time, it grew to describe the emotional pain or 'sorrow' that comes from suffering or punishment.
First recorded: 12th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'penas' the same as 'apenas'?
No. 'Apenas' (one word) means 'hardly' or 'barely.' 'Penas' (the plural of 'pena') means 'sorrows' or 'penalties.'
How do I say 'to feel sorry for someone'?
You use the singular form: 'Me da pena' (It gives me pity/I feel sorry).