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How to Say "distressing" in Spanish

English → Spanish

doloroso

doh-loh-ROH-sohdo.loˈɾo.so

adjectiveB1general
Use 'doloroso' when the distressing situation causes significant emotional pain, sadness, or heartache, similar to physical pain.
A solitary figure sitting on a simple wooden bench, visibly sad and wiping a tear from their face.

Examples

La noticia de su enfermedad fue muy dolorosa para todos.

The news of his illness was very distressing/painful for everyone.

La pérdida de su mascota fue muy dolorosa para ella.

The loss of her pet was very painful/heartbreaking for her.

Tomaron la dolorosa decisión de cerrar el negocio.

They made the painful decision to close the business.

Placement for Emphasis

When used figuratively (emotional pain), 'doloroso' is often placed before the noun (la dolorosa verdad) to add dramatic emphasis, though placing it after is also correct.

Confusing Painful vs. Suffering

Mistake: “Soy doloroso.”

Correction: This is incorrect. You would say 'Siento dolor' (I feel pain) or 'Estoy adolorido' (I am sore). 'Doloroso' describes the *source* of the pain.

traumático

adjectiveB1general
Choose 'traumático' for distressing events that are shocking, deeply disturbing, and leave a lasting negative psychological impact.

Examples

El accidente de coche fue una experiencia traumática que tardó en superar.

The car accident was a distressing/traumatic experience that took a long time to get over.

Doloroso vs. Traumático

Learners often confuse 'doloroso' and 'traumático' because both describe negative experiences. Remember that 'doloroso' emphasizes emotional pain or sadness, while 'traumático' implies a shocking event with deeper psychological impact.

Related Translations

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