How to Say "sorrowful" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “sorrowful” is “doloroso” — B1 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.
English → SpanishB1
AdjectiveB1
full of grief
Examples
La pérdida de su mascota fue muy dolorosa para ella.
The loss of her pet was very painful/heartbreaking for her.
Tomaron la dolorosa decisión de cerrar el negocio.
They made the painful decision to close the business.
Placement for Emphasis
When used figuratively (emotional pain), 'doloroso' is often placed before the noun (la dolorosa verdad) to add dramatic emphasis, though placing it after is also correct.
Confusing Painful vs. Suffering
Mistake: “Soy doloroso.”
Correction: This is incorrect. You would say 'Siento dolor' (I feel pain) or 'Estoy adolorido' (I am sore). 'Doloroso' describes the *source* of the pain.
Related Translations
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