penas
/PEH-nahs/
sorrows
The word 'penas' can refer to the deep sorrows or emotional grief someone feels.
penas(noun)
sorrows
?emotional pain or grief
,troubles
?personal hardships or difficulties
hardships
?difficult life circumstances
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'las' with 'penas'
Since this is a feminine word and there is more than one sorrow, you should use 'las' (the) or 'unas' (some) before it.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Penas vs. Apenas
Mistake: "Using 'penas' when you mean 'hardly'."
Correction: Use 'apenas' (one word) to mean 'hardly' or 'scarcely'. Use 'penas' (two words or plural noun) for 'sorrows'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Music and Poetry
You will hear this word constantly in Spanish songs (especially Boleros or Flamenco) to describe the pain of a broken heart.
In a legal context, 'penas' refers to the penalties or punishments imposed for an offense.
penas(noun)
penalties
?legal punishments
,sentences
?time served in prison
fines
?monetary punishments
📝 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.
⭐ Usage Tips
Legal Context
When you see this word in the news or a crime show, it almost always refers to the punishment a criminal receives.
As a verb, 'penas' describes the act of suffering or being in spiritual pain.
penas(verb)
you suffer
?to be in emotional or spiritual pain
,you punish
?to impose a penalty
📝 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
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: penas
Question 1 of 2
What does the phrase 'ahogar las penas' literally mean?
📚 More Resources
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).