How to Say "pathetic" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “pathetic” is “patético” — use 'patético' when you want to describe something as ridiculously inadequate, terrible, or laughable in its poor quality or failure..
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patético
AdjectiveB1General
Use 'patético' when you want to describe something as ridiculously inadequate, terrible, or laughable in its poor quality or failure.
Examples
Su excusa para llegar tarde fue completamente patética.
His excuse for being late was completely pathetic (ridiculous).
lamentable
/lah-men-TAH-bleh//lamenˈtaβle/
AdjectiveB2General
Choose 'lamentable' when the situation or thing is so bad that it deserves pity, regret, or is simply regrettable.
Examples
La comida en ese restaurante era lamentable.
The food in that restaurant was pitiful.
El servicio al cliente es lamentable.
The customer service is pathetic.
Describing Condition
When used with 'estar' (to be), it describes the current poor state of something, like an old house or a messy room.
Choosing Between 'Patético' and 'Lamentable'
The most common mistake is using 'patético' when you mean something is simply regrettable or deserving of pity, rather than ridiculous. Remember, 'patético' often carries a stronger sense of mockery or absurdity.
Related Translations
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