Inklingo

How to Say "sympathy" in Spanish

English → Spanish

condolencia

/kon-doe-LEN-see-ah//kondoˈlenθja/

nounB2formal
Use 'condolencia' when expressing sorrow or commiseration for someone's misfortune, grief, or loss.
A simple storybook illustration of one person gently placing a hand on another person's shoulder in a supportive gesture, with a single flower on the ground.

Examples

Le ofrecí mis condolencias tras la muerte de su abuelo.

I offered him my condolences after the death of his grandfather.

Quiero expresarle mi más sentida condolencia por su pérdida.

I want to express my deepest sympathy for your loss.

Le enviamos una tarjeta de condolencia a la familia.

We sent a sympathy card to the family.

Acepten nuestras más sinceras condolencias.

Please accept our most sincere condolences.

Usually plural in speech

While the word 'condolencia' exists in singular, when you are actually talking to someone to offer sympathy, you almost always use the plural form: 'mis condolencias'.

Used with 'dar' or 'presentar'

To offer your sympathy, you usually use the verb 'dar' (to give) for friends or 'presentar' (to present) for formal situations.

Don't use for minor problems

Mistake: “Using 'condolencia' when a friend loses their keys.”

Correction: Use 'lo siento' or 'qué pena'. 'Condolencia' is strictly for very serious matters like death.

simpatía

nounB2
Use 'simpatía' to express affinity, liking, or support for a person, idea, or movement, or to describe a pleasant disposition.

Examples

Tengo mucha simpatía por los animales abandonados.

I have a lot of sympathy for abandoned animals.

Don't confuse expressing sorrow with expressing liking

Learners often confuse 'condolencia' and 'simpatía'. Remember that 'condolencia' is specifically for expressing sorrow over a loss, like a death. 'Simpatía' is used for general liking, support, or positive feelings towards something or someone.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.