"Puedo escribir los versos más tristes esta noche."
/PWEH-doh es-kree-BEER lohs VER-sohs mahs TREES-tes ES-tah NO-cheh/
I can write the saddest lines tonight.
💡 Understanding the Quote
"Puedo escribir los versos más tristes esta noche."
🎨 Visual Representation
Neruda's iconic line connects the act of writing with the vastness of a lonely, star-filled night.
🔑 Key Words
📖 Context
This is the famous opening line of 'Poema 20' from the collection 'Veinte poemas de amor y una canción desesperada' ('Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair'), published in 1924.
📝 In Action
Me siento un poco Neruda hoy, como para decir 'puedo escribir los versos más tristes esta noche'.
C1I'm feeling a bit like Neruda today, like I could say 'I can write the saddest lines tonight'.
El poema que empieza con 'Puedo escribir los versos más tristes esta noche' es el más famoso de su libro.
B2The poem that begins with 'I can write the saddest lines tonight' is the most famous one in his book.
✍️ About the Author
📜 Historical Context
Published in 1924 when Neruda was just 19, 'Veinte poemas de amor...' captured the raw, intense emotions of youthful love and loss. The book was a sensation, breaking from older, more rigid poetic styles with its direct, sensual, and modern language. It remains one of the best-selling poetry books in the Spanish language.
🌍 Cultural Significance
This is arguably the most famous line in 20th-century Spanish-language poetry. It's instantly recognizable across the Hispanic world and has become synonymous with romantic melancholy and heartbreak. It's quoted in films, songs, and by anyone wanting to express a profound, poetic sadness.
📚 Literary Analysis
The line sets a deeply personal and melancholic tone. Using the first person 'Puedo' (I can) makes the feeling immediate and intimate. It’s not a command or a plan, but a realization of emotional capacity. The connection between the night ('esta noche') and sadness is a classic theme, but Neruda makes it feel fresh and powerful, suggesting that the darkness is the perfect canvas for his sorrow.
⭐ Usage Tips
Evoking Poetic Sadness
Use this line to express a deep, almost romanticized sadness. It’s perfect for dramatic effect in writing or conversation, but because it's so famous, it's often used with a touch of knowing melodrama.
A Sign of Literary Knowledge
Referencing this quote is a great way to show your familiarity with major figures in Latin American literature. It immediately signals a shared cultural knowledge with other Spanish speakers.
🔗 Related Quotes
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: Puedo escribir los versos más tristes esta noche.
Question 1 of 2
Who is the author of the famous line 'Puedo escribir los versos más tristes esta noche.'?
🏷️ Categories
Themes:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this quote from a love poem or a sad poem?
It's both. The collection 'Veinte poemas de amor y una canción desesperada' explores the passion of being in love and the profound sadness of losing that love. 'Poema 20' is the culmination of that heartbreak.
Why is this line so famous?
It's famous for its simplicity, directness, and emotional power. It perfectly captures a universal feeling of heartbreak in a way that is both beautiful and accessible, making it one of the most memorable lines in all of Spanish literature.