Inklingo

How to Say "compassion" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “compassion” is “compasión” — use this word for a general, deep feeling of sympathy and concern for someone who is suffering..

compasiónB1

Use this word for a general, deep feeling of sympathy and concern for someone who is suffering.

{ui.learnMore}
lástima🔊A2

Use this word when your sympathy stems from feeling sorry for someone's misfortune, often implying a desire to help them out of pity.

{ui.learnMore}
piedad🔊B1

This word often implies showing mercy or leniency towards someone in a difficult situation, especially when you have power over them.

{ui.learnMore}
misericordia🔊B2

Similar to 'piedad', this word emphasizes deep sympathy and a desire to forgive or alleviate suffering, often used in more formal or religious contexts.

{ui.learnMore}
caridad🔊B2

Use this word when compassion is expressed as an act of kindness or generosity, often with a slightly older or more formal feel, sometimes used idiomatically.

{ui.learnMore}
English → Spanish

compasión

nounB1general
Use this word for a general, deep feeling of sympathy and concern for someone who is suffering.

Examples

Mostró compasión por los prisioneros y les dio agua.

She showed compassion for the prisoners and gave them water.

nounA2general
Use this word when your sympathy stems from feeling sorry for someone's misfortune, often implying a desire to help them out of pity.

Examples

Le di algo de dinero por lástima, se veía muy triste.

I gave him some money out of pity; he looked very sad.

piedad

pee-eh-DAHD/pjeˈðað/

nounB1general
This word often implies showing mercy or leniency towards someone in a difficult situation, especially when you have power over them.
A large, caring hand gently resting on the shoulder of a smaller, sad figure who is sitting down, illustrating comfort and compassion.

Examples

El juez tuvo piedad y le redujo la sentencia.

The judge showed mercy and reduced his sentence.

Por piedad, no me dejes aquí solo.

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

Sentí una gran piedad por los animales abandonados.

I felt great pity for the abandoned animals.

Always Feminine

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

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!'.

misericordia

/mee-seh-ree-KOR-dya//miseriˈkorðja/

nounB2general/formal
Similar to 'piedad', this word emphasizes deep sympathy and a desire to forgive or alleviate suffering, often used in more formal or religious contexts.
A tall, cloaked figure extends a hand to lift a small, kneeling figure in a desolate landscape, symbolizing mercy and compassion.

Examples

El juez mostró misericordia y redujo la sentencia del acusado.

The judge showed mercy and reduced the defendant's sentence.

La religión enseña la importancia de la misericordia hacia el prójimo.

Religion teaches the importance of compassion toward one's neighbor.

A Feminine Noun

Since it ends in -a, it is a feminine noun and requires feminine articles (la misericordia) and adjectives.

caridad

kah-ree-DAHD/ka.ɾiˈðað/

nounB2general/formal
Use this word when compassion is expressed as an act of kindness or generosity, often with a slightly older or more formal feel, sometimes used idiomatically.
A person gently placing an arm around another person who is sitting down and looks sad, offering comfort and support.

Examples

Le ruego, por caridad, que me escuche un momento.

I beg you, for pity's sake (out of kindness), listen to me for a moment.

El juez mostró caridad al darle una sentencia leve.

The judge showed mercy by giving him a light sentence.

Choosing between 'compasión', 'lástima', and 'piedad'

Learners often confuse 'compasión', 'lástima', and 'piedad'. Remember that 'compasión' is the most general term for sympathy. 'Lástima' implies pity for misfortune, while 'piedad' suggests mercy, especially from someone in a position of power.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.