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How to Say "pitiable" in Spanish

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miserable

mee-seh-RAH-bleh/mi.seˈɾa.βle/

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

Examples

El perro abandonado parecía muy miserable.

The abandoned dog looked very pitiable.

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'.

patético

AdjectiveC1General
Use 'patético' when something is so inept, ridiculous, or sad that it elicits pity, often with a connotation of being pathetic or laughable.

Examples

Su intento de impresionar fue tan patético que nos dio lástima.

His attempt to impress was so pitiable that we felt sorry for him.

Miserable vs. Patético

Learners often confuse 'miserable' and 'patético'. 'Miserable' focuses more on a state of suffering or unhappiness, while 'patético' implies a more extreme, often absurd or ridiculous, level of sadness that warrants pity.

Related Translations

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