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How to Say "wretch" in Spanish

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desgraciado

dess-grah-SYAH-doh/des.ɣɾaˈsja.ðo/

nounC1informal
Use 'desgraciado' when you want to express strong contempt for someone who has wronged you or acted despicably, implying they are a wretched person due to their actions.
A simplistic, shadowy figure with a shifty expression quickly walking away while holding a small, stolen pouch behind their back, symbolizing a scoundrel.

Examples

¡Ese desgraciado me mintió sobre el trato y se quedó con todo!

That scoundrel lied to me about the deal and kept everything!

No le hables, es un desgraciado que solo busca aprovecharse de la gente.

Don't talk to him, he's a despicable person who only looks to take advantage of people.

Used as a Noun

In this context, 'desgraciado' acts as a name for a person, so it usually needs an article before it (el desgraciado, un desgraciado).

infeliz

een-feh-LEEZ/infeˈliθ/

nounB2
Use 'infeliz' when referring to someone who is pitiable or unfortunate, often with a touch of contempt, highlighting their miserable state rather than just their bad actions.
A solitary figure wrapped tightly in a thin, worn blanket, sitting on a simple wooden bench and looking forlorn.

Examples

¡Ese infeliz me robó la cartera!

That wretch stole my wallet!

Pobre infeliz, perdió todo en el incendio.

Poor wretch (or poor soul), he lost everything in the fire.

Use as a Noun

When used as a person, you must use an article ('el' or 'la') before it, even though the word 'infeliz' itself doesn't change its ending for gender.

Contempt vs. Pity

Learners often confuse 'desgraciado' and 'infeliz' because both can imply negative judgment. Remember that 'desgraciado' leans more towards expressing strong anger and contempt for someone's wicked actions, while 'infeliz' can also express pity for someone's unfortunate situation, even if they've done something wrong.

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