penoso
“penoso” means “sad” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
sad, embarrassing
Also: pitiable, shameful
📝 In Action
Es penoso ver cómo ha quedado la ciudad tras la tormenta.
B1It is sad to see how the city looks after the storm.
Fue un momento muy penoso cuando se le olvidó el discurso.
B1It was a very embarrassing moment when he forgot his speech.
Su comportamiento en la reunión fue realmente penoso.
B2His behavior at the meeting was truly pitiful.
strenuous, laborious
Also: arduous
📝 In Action
Después de un penoso trabajo de diez horas, terminamos el proyecto.
C1After ten hours of strenuous work, we finished the project.
El ascenso a la cumbre fue largo y penoso.
B2The climb to the summit was long and arduous.
Tuvieron que realizar una penosa marcha por el desierto.
C1They had to undertake a laborious march through the desert.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "penoso" in Spanish:
strenuous→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: penoso
Question 1 of 3
If a Mexican friend says they are 'penosos', what do they mean?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'poenosus', which comes from 'poena' (meaning punishment or pain). It originally described something that was worth a punishment or caused suffering.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'penoso' always mean something bad?
Yes, usually. It either describes something sad, something socially awkward/embarrassing, or something that is exhausting and difficult.
What is the difference between 'vergonzoso' and 'penoso'?
'Vergonzoso' specifically means 'shameful' or 'embarrassing'. 'Penoso' can mean that too, but it also carries the meaning of being 'sad' or 'pitiful'.
Is 'penoso' used for people or things?
Both! You can describe a situation as 'penosa' (sad/embarrassing) or a person as 'penoso' (shy in LatAm, or someone acting in a pitiful way elsewhere).