Inklingo
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A small, simple human figure crouched down, visibly struggling under the weight of a single, large, heavy, dark gray rock resting on their back.

sufrimiento

soo-free-mee-EN-toh

nounmB1
suffering?emotional or physical distress,pain?when referring to deep emotional anguish
Also:distress?general feeling of unhappiness,hardship?difficulty or trial

📝 In Action

El sufrimiento por la pérdida de su mascota fue inmenso.

B1

The suffering over the loss of his pet was immense.

Dicen que el sufrimiento nos hace más fuertes.

B2

They say that hardship makes us stronger.

Hay que evitar el sufrimiento innecesario en la vida.

B1

One must avoid unnecessary suffering in life.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • dolor (pain (often physical))
  • angustia (anguish)
  • pena (sorrow, pity)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • causar sufrimiento – to cause suffering
  • aliviar el sufrimiento – to alleviate suffering
  • un gran sufrimiento – great suffering

💡 Grammar Points

Always Masculine

Even though it ends in '-o', which is common for masculine nouns, remember to always use the masculine articles and adjectives: el sufrimiento, mucho sufrimiento.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Sufrimiento vs. Dolor

Mistake: "Using *sufrimiento* when referring strictly to a specific physical ache (e.g., 'Tengo sufrimiento en la rodilla')."

Correction: Use *dolor* for specific physical aches ('Tengo dolor en la rodilla'). *Sufrimiento* suggests a deeper, often prolonged emotional or existential distress, though it can include physical pain.

⭐ Usage Tips

Use with 'Causa'

This word pairs perfectly with the verb causar (to cause) when talking about the source of the distress: 'La guerra causó mucho sufrimiento.' (The war caused much suffering.)

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: sufrimiento

Question 1 of 1

Which word best describes a long period of emotional hardship and distress?

📚 More Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'sufrimiento' only about emotional pain?

No, *sufrimiento* can refer to both physical and emotional pain. However, it often emphasizes the deeper, emotional or psychological distress caused by an event, more so than a simple headache or cut.

How is 'sufrimiento' related to the verb 'sufrir'?

*Sufrimiento* is the noun form of the verb *sufrir* (to suffer/to endure). If you *sufres* (you suffer), you are experiencing *sufrimiento* (suffering).