tristeza

triss-TAY-sahtɾisˈte.sa

“tristeza” means “sadness” in Spanish (general feeling of unhappiness).

sadness, sorrow

Also: grief

NounfA1

A simple illustration of a small child sitting alone on the ground with their knees pulled up, exhibiting a posture of deep sadness. A single tear is visible on their cheek.

📝 In Action

Sentí una gran tristeza cuando se fue.

I felt great sadness when he left.

La tristeza puede ser difícil de superar, pero es normal.

Sadness can be hard to overcome, but it is normal.

Para combatir la tristeza, a veces ayuda hablar con un amigo.

To fight sorrow, sometimes it helps to talk to a friend.

Word Connections

Synonyms

pena (grief, sorrow)
melancolía (melancholy)
congoja (anguish)

Antonyms

alegría (joy)
felicidad (happiness)

Common Collocations

sentir tristeza – to feel sadness
superar la tristeza – to overcome sadness
una profunda tristeza – a deep sadness

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "tristeza" in Spanish:

grief→sadness→sorrow→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: tristeza

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly uses the noun 'tristeza'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼

triste(sad (adjective)) — Adjective

tristemente(sadly (adverb)) — Adverb

entristecer(to sadden) — Verb

🎵 Rhymes▼

belleza naturaleza certeza

📚 Etymology▼

Comes directly from the Latin word *tristitia*, which was formed from *tristis*, meaning 'sad' or 'gloomy.' The Spanish word kept the core meaning perfectly intact.

First recorded: 13th century (Old Spanish)

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: tristezaItalian: tristezza

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'triste' and 'tristeza'?

'Tristeza' is the noun, meaning 'sadness' (the feeling itself). 'Triste' is the adjective, meaning 'sad' (the state of being). You *feel* 'tristeza' but you *are* 'triste'.