How to Say "merciful" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “merciful” is “piadoso” — B2 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.
English → SpanishB2
adjectiveB2
showing compassion
Examples
A veces es mejor decir una mentira piadosa para no herir sus sentimientos.
Sometimes it's better to tell a white lie so as not to hurt their feelings.
Tuvo un gesto piadoso con el prisionero.
He had a merciful gesture toward the prisoner.
La reina fue piadosa y perdonó al ladrón.
The queen was merciful and forgave the thief.
Describing actions
You can use 'piadoso' to describe both people ('ella es piadosa') and the actions they do ('un acto piadoso').
Avoid 'blanco' for lies
Mistake: “Es una mentira blanca.”
Correction: Es una mentira piadosa. In Spanish, we don't say 'white lie', we say 'pious lie'.
Related Translations
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