Inklingo

How to Say "mercy" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “mercy” is “piedad” — use this word when referring to showing forgiveness or leniency, often in a judicial or personal context where someone is spared punishment or hardship..

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piedad

pee-eh-DAHD/pjeˈðað/

nounB1general
Use this word when referring to showing forgiveness or leniency, often in a judicial or personal context where someone is spared punishment or hardship.
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 is the most general term for compassion or pity, especially when feeling empathy for someone's suffering, often used in religious or humanitarian contexts.

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-dya//miseriˈkorðja/

nounB2formal/religious
Use this term specifically for compassion shown towards an offender, enemy, or someone in a position of weakness, implying a higher moral or divine quality.
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
This word emphasizes an act of kindness or generosity motivated by love or a sense of duty, often translating to 'charity' but can mean 'mercy' when pleading for help or leniency.
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.

Piedad vs. Misericordia

Learners often confuse 'piedad' and 'misericordia.' While both can mean mercy, 'piedad' is more about general leniency or pity, whereas 'misericordia' specifically implies compassion for an offender or enemy, often with a religious or profound moral connotation.

Related Translations

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