tragedia
“tragedia” means “tragedy” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
tragedy
Also: calamity, disaster
📝 In Action
El accidente de tren fue una tragedia nacional.
A2The train accident was a national tragedy.
Fue una tragedia que el fuego destruyera la casa familiar.
B1It was a tragedy that the fire destroyed the family home.
Su muerte prematura es una gran tragedia para la comunidad.
B2His premature death is a great tragedy for the community.
tragedy
Also: tragic play
📝 In Action
Antígona es una de las tragedias más famosas de la antigüedad.
B2Antigone is one of the most famous tragedies of antiquity.
El profesor analizó la estructura de la tragedia clásica.
C1The professor analyzed the structure of classical tragedy.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: tragedia
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'tragedia' to refer to a real-life disaster, not a type of play?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
This word comes from the ancient Greek word *tragōidía*, which literally meant 'goat song.' This refers to the ritualistic origins of Greek theater, where a goat was often sacrificed or given as a prize during the performances that became the first tragedies.
First recorded: 15th century (in Spanish)
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'tragedia' used for small problems, like when I forget my keys?
Not usually. While you might use it dramatically in English ('It's a tragedy!'), in Spanish, 'tragedia' typically refers to a genuinely serious, devastating event (like a death, fire, or major accident). For forgetting your keys, stick to 'problema' or 'qué mala suerte' (what bad luck).