Inklingo

How to Say "mercy" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “mercy” is “piedad” — use this when showing leniency or forgiveness, often in a legal or general context where a less severe outcome is given.

piedad🔊B1

Use this when showing leniency or forgiveness, often in a legal or general context where a less severe outcome is given.

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compasiónB1

This term emphasizes empathy and understanding towards someone suffering, particularly in religious or formal/legal situations.

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misericordia🔊B2

This is often used in a religious context for divine compassion, but also applies when showing leniency or forgiveness towards an offender or enemy.

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caridad🔊B2

Use this when 'mercy' implies an act of kindness, generosity, or a plea for help, often translated as 'for goodness sake' or 'out of kindness'.

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gracia🔊C1

This translates to 'mercy' when it specifically means a favor, pardon, or clemency granted, often by someone in authority.

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merced🔊C1

This term is similar to 'gracia' and refers to a favor, forgiveness, or grace granted, often in historical or very formal contexts.

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English → Spanish

piedad

pee-eh-DAHDpjeˈðað

nounB1general
Use this when showing leniency or forgiveness, often in a legal or general context where a less severe outcome is given.
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!'.

compasión

nounB1general
This term emphasizes empathy and understanding towards someone suffering, particularly in religious or formal/legal situations.

Examples

Mostró compasión por los prisioneros y les dio agua.

She showed compassion for the prisoners and gave them water.

misericordia

mee-seh-ree-KOR-dyamiseriˈkorðja

nounB2general
This is often used in a religious context for divine compassion, but also applies when showing leniency or forgiveness towards an offender or enemy.
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-DAHDka.ɾiˈðað

nounB2general
Use this when 'mercy' implies an act of kindness, generosity, or a plea for help, often translated as 'for goodness sake' or 'out of kindness'.
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.

gracia

GRAH-syahˈɡɾa.θja

nounC1formal
This translates to 'mercy' when it specifically means a favor, pardon, or clemency granted, often by someone in authority.
A simple illustration of a child gently helping a tiny kitten reach a bowl of milk, representing an act of kindness or favor.

Examples

Pidió al rey que le concediera la gracia del perdón.

He asked the king to grant him the favor of a pardon.

La gracia de Dios lo mantuvo fuerte durante la prueba.

The grace of God kept him strong during the trial.

Formal Context

This meaning is generally reserved for formal, legal, or theological discussions. Use other words like 'favor' or 'ayuda' for everyday requests.

merced

mer-SEDmeɾˈθed

nounC1formal
This term is similar to 'gracia' and refers to a favor, forgiveness, or grace granted, often in historical or very formal contexts.
A king in a gold crown handing a heavy bag of gold coins to a humble villager.

Examples

El rey le concedió la merced de un título noble.

The king granted him the favor of a noble title.

Esperamos la merced divina.

We hope for divine mercy.

Muchas gracias por vuestra merced.

Thank you very much for your kindness.

History in a word

The modern Spanish word for 'you' (usted) actually comes from a shortened version of 'Vuestra Merced' (Your Mercy).

Confusing with 'merced' as 'favor' today

Mistake: “Me haces una merced?”

Correction: Me haces un favor? While 'merced' means favor, it sounds like you are living in the 1600s if you use it for daily tasks.

Piedad vs. Compasión

Learners often confuse 'piedad' and 'compasión'. Remember, 'piedad' leans towards leniency or forgiveness in judgment (like a judge reducing a sentence), while 'compasión' focuses more on empathy for suffering.

Related Translations

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