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How to Say "pitiable" in Spanish

English → Spanish

miserable

mee-seh-RAH-blehmi.seˈɾa.βle

AdjectiveA2General
Use 'miserable' when describing someone or something that evokes pity due to their unfortunate or wretched state, often implying a deep unhappiness.
A tiny, dejected bear cub sitting alone under a small rain cloud, weeping visibly.

Examples

Se sentía miserable sin nadie con quien hablar.

He felt pitiable with no one to talk to.

Estaba tan miserable después de que su perro se fue.

She was so miserable after her dog left.

No te sientas miserable por un pequeño error.

Don't feel miserable about a small mistake.

Gender Consistency

Since 'miserable' ends in '-e', it doesn't change based on whether the person is masculine or feminine (e.g., 'el hombre miserable' and 'la mujer miserable').

Confusing with 'poor'

Mistake: “Using 'pobre' when you mean emotionally wretched.”

Correction: 'Pobre' usually means lacking money. If you mean 'unhappy,' use 'miserable' or 'infeliz'.

penoso

peh-NOH-sohpeˈnoso

adjectiveB1General
Choose 'penoso' when the situation or person elicits pity and sadness, often because it is unfortunate, regrettable, or 'pathetic' in a way that makes you feel sorry for them.
A small bird sitting alone on a bare branch under a gray rain cloud.

Examples

Es penoso ver el estado de abandono de la casa.

It is pitiable to see the state of neglect of the house.

Es penoso ver cómo ha quedado la ciudad tras la tormenta.

It is sad to see how the city looks after the storm.

Fue un momento muy penoso cuando se le olvidó el discurso.

It was a very embarrassing moment when he forgot his speech.

Su comportamiento en la reunión fue realmente penoso.

His behavior at the meeting was truly pitiful.

Matching Gender and Number

Remember to change the ending to 'penosa' for feminine items (una noticia penosa) and add an 's' for plural items (momentos penosos).

Using with 'Ser'

Use the verb 'ser' (to be) when describing a situation that is inherently sad or embarrassing, like 'Es penoso' (It's embarrassing).

Sad vs. Shy

Mistake: “Using 'penoso' to mean 'shy' in Spain.”

Correction: In Spain, use 'tímido'. In Mexico and parts of Latin America, 'penoso' is perfectly fine for 'shy'!

patético

AdjectiveC1General
Use 'patético' when something is so bad, ridiculous, or unsuccessful that it provokes pity, often mixed with a sense of scorn or disbelief.

Examples

Su intento de impresionar a la audiencia fue francamente patético.

His attempt to impress the audience was frankly pitiable.

Miserable vs. Patético

Learners often confuse 'miserable' and 'patético'. 'Miserable' focuses on the unfortunate state causing pity, while 'patético' implies pity mixed with a sense of foolishness or inadequacy, often used for actions or situations that are sad because they are so poorly executed.

Related Translations

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