Inklingo
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piedad

/pee-eh-DAHD/

pity

A large, caring hand gently resting on the shoulder of a smaller, sad figure who is sitting down, illustrating comfort and compassion.

Showing 'piedad' (pity) means offering comfort and compassion to someone who is suffering.

piedad(noun)

fB1

pity

?

feeling sorry for someone's suffering

,

mercy

?

showing forgiveness or leniency

Also:

compassion

?

deep sympathy

📝 In Action

El juez tuvo piedad y le redujo la sentencia.

B1

The judge showed mercy and reduced his sentence.

Por piedad, no me dejes aquí solo.

B2

For pity's sake (or 'Have mercy'), don't leave me here alone.

Sentí una gran piedad por los animales abandonados.

B1

I felt great pity for the abandoned animals.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • compasión (compassion)
  • misericordia (mercy)

Antonyms

  • crueldad (cruelty)
  • insensibilidad (insensitivity)

Common Collocations

  • tener piedad – to have pity/mercy
  • pedir piedad – to beg for mercy

💡 Grammar Points

Always Feminine

Remember that 'piedad' is always a feminine noun, so you use 'la piedad' or 'una piedad'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing Pity and Sadness

Mistake: "Using 'piedad' when you mean simple sadness or regret ('lástima')."

Correction: 'Piedad' suggests deep compassion for suffering, often implying a plea for mercy. Use '¡Qué lástima!' for 'What a shame!'.

⭐ Usage Tips

Expressing Mercy

The most common way to ask someone to show mercy is using the phrase 'Tener piedad de...' (to have pity on...). For example: 'Ten piedad de mí' (Have mercy on me).

A solitary person kneeling on the ground with their hands pressed together and eyes closed in a gesture of deep reverence and prayer.

'Piedad' can also refer to piety, which is deep religious devoutness or reverence.

piedad(noun)

fC1

piety

?

religious devoutness or reverence

Also:

devotion

?

deep religious commitment

📝 In Action

La abuela era conocida por su profunda piedad y asistencia diaria a misa.

C1

The grandmother was known for her deep piety and daily attendance at mass.

El cuadro representa las siete obras de piedad.

C2

The painting represents the seven acts of piety (or 'works of mercy').

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • devoción (devotion)
  • fe (faith)

Antonyms

  • irreligiosidad (irreligion)

Common Collocations

  • profunda piedad – deep piety

💡 Grammar Points

Historical Meaning

Historically, 'piedad' also meant 'dutifulness' or 'reverence' toward one's parents or gods, which is where both the compassion and religious meanings come from.

⭐ Usage Tips

Using the Adjective

If you want to describe a person as devout or compassionate, use the related adjective 'piadoso/piadosa'.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: piedad

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'piedad' in the sense of religious devotion?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

piadoso(pious, merciful) - adjective
apiadarse(to take pity, to have mercy) - verb

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'piedad' and 'lástima'?

'Lástima' usually means 'a shame' or 'a feeling of mild sadness/regret' (e.g., '¡Qué lástima que no vinieras!' — What a shame you didn't come!). 'Piedad' is much stronger; it means deep compassion or mercy, usually felt toward someone who is suffering or powerless.

Can I use 'piedad' to describe a person?

No, 'piedad' is a feeling or a quality. To describe a person as having this quality, you must use the adjective 'piadoso' (for a male) or 'piadosa' (for a female). Example: 'Es una persona piadosa' (She is a compassionate/pious person).