Inklingo

How to Say "empathy" in Spanish

English → Spanish

comprensión

nounB2general
Use 'comprensión' when you want to express understanding and patience towards someone's situation, similar to 'understanding' or 'sympathy' in English.

Examples

Agradezco mucho tu comprensión ante mi retraso.

I really appreciate your understanding (patience/empathy) regarding my delay.

identificación

nounC1general
Choose 'identificación' when you mean feeling or experiencing the same emotions as someone else, highlighting a strong connection or shared feeling.

Examples

Su identificación con la causa de los trabajadores fue inmediata.

His identification with the workers' cause was immediate.

sensibilidad

sen-see-bee-lee-dahdsensibiliˈðad

nounB1general
Use 'sensibilidad' to describe a general ability to perceive and understand the feelings of others, often implying a finer, more delicate awareness.
A child looking at a colorful butterfly with wide, appreciative eyes, holding a paintbrush.

Examples

Ella tiene una gran sensibilidad hacia los problemas de los demás.

She has great sensitivity towards the problems of others.

Ella tiene una gran sensibilidad artística.

She has a great artistic sensitivity.

Es un tema que requiere mucha sensibilidad.

It is a topic that requires a lot of sensitivity.

Su sensibilidad ante el dolor ajeno es admirable.

Their sensitivity toward others' pain is admirable.

Always Feminine

Words that end in '-dad' are always feminine in Spanish. You will always use 'la' or 'una' with this word.

Using 'a' or 'ante'

When talking about what someone is sensitive to, use the words 'a' or 'ante' (meaning toward/in the face of).

The 'Sensible' Trap

Mistake: “Using 'sensatez' when you mean sensitivity.”

Correction: Use 'sensibilidad' for feelings and 'sensatez' for being logical or reasonable.

Comprensión vs. Sensibilidad

Learners often confuse 'comprensión' and 'sensibilidad'. Remember that 'comprensión' implies active understanding and patience with a specific situation, while 'sensibilidad' refers to a more general capacity to perceive and feel others' emotions.

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