Inklingo

How to Say "poverty" in Spanish

English → Spanish

pobreza

/poh-BREH-sah//poˈβɾeθa/

nounA1general
Use 'pobreza' for the general concept of lacking money or goods, often used in discussions about social issues or economic conditions.
A simple, empty, chipped ceramic bowl resting on a plain wooden table, symbolizing a lack of food or resources.

Examples

El gobierno implementó nuevos programas para reducir la pobreza.

The government implemented new programs to reduce poverty.

Viven en la pobreza extrema, sin acceso a agua potable.

They live in extreme poverty, without access to drinking water.

Mucha gente sufre de pobreza en el mundo.

Many people suffer from poverty in the world.

Always Feminine

Since 'pobreza' ends in -a, it is a feminine noun, so you always use feminine articles like 'la' or 'una' before it.

necesidad

/ne-se-see-dad//nesesiˈðað/

nounB1general
Choose 'necesidad' when emphasizing economic hardship or a state of want, particularly when it affects families or individuals directly.
A high quality simple colorful storybook illustration of a single, overturned, empty wooden bowl lying on barren, dusty ground, symbolizing a state of extreme lack.

Examples

La crisis sumió a muchas familias en la necesidad.

The crisis plunged many families into destitution/want.

Ayudamos a los que viven en necesidad extrema.

We help those who live in extreme poverty.

Use with 'Vivir' or 'Sumergir'

This meaning often appears after verbs like 'vivir' (to live) or 'sumergir' (to plunge), emphasizing the state of being poor or deprived.

miseria

mee-SEH-ryah/miˈse.rja/

nounB1general
Use 'miseria' to describe extreme poverty, a state of utter destitution, or severe deprivation of basic resources.
A worn, empty ceramic bowl sitting on a rough, cracked wooden table, symbolizing extreme lack of resources.

Examples

Mucha gente vive en la miseria absoluta en esa región.

Many people live in absolute poverty in that region.

La guerra dejó al país sumido en la miseria.

The war left the country plunged into destitution.

Always Feminine

Since 'miseria' ends in -a, it is always a feminine noun and uses 'la' or 'una'.

Pobreza vs. Miseria vs. Necesidad

Learners often use 'miseria' too broadly. Remember that 'miseria' implies a much more severe and desperate state of poverty than the general term 'pobreza' or the hardship indicated by 'necesidad'.

Related Translations

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