Inklingo

How to Say "wretched" in Spanish

English → Spanish

desgraciado

dess-grah-SYAH-doh/des.ɣɾaˈsja.ðo/

adjectiveB1
Use this translation when referring to someone or something that is pitiful, unfortunate, or in a state of deep unhappiness due to bad luck or circumstances.
A solitary, simple cartoon character stands under a small, dark rain cloud that is raining only on them, illustrating bad luck. The surrounding area is bright and sunny.

Examples

El pobre hombre desgraciado perdió su trabajo y su coche en la misma semana.

The poor, unfortunate man lost his job and his car in the same week.

Se siente desgraciado después de la ruptura, pero se recuperará.

He feels wretched (miserable) after the breakup, but he will recover.

Changing Gender

Like many Spanish adjectives ending in -o, you must change the ending to match the person you are describing: use 'desgraciada' for a woman, and 'desgraciados/as' for plurals.

miserable

mee-seh-RAH-bleh/mi.seˈɾa.βle/

adjectiveA2
Choose this word when you want to describe a feeling of extreme unhappiness, discomfort, or poor condition, often related to personal feelings or a low state.
A tiny, dejected bear cub sitting alone under a small rain cloud, weeping visibly.

Examples

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'.

condenado

/kon-deh-NAH-doh//kon.deˈna.ðo/

adjectiveB2informal
Employ this translation primarily to express strong annoyance, frustration, or irritation towards an object or situation, often with a touch of exasperated pity.
A small, dejected figure sitting alone in the rain, holding a broken umbrella.

Examples

¡Este condenado despertador no me dejó dormir!

This wretched alarm clock wouldn't let me sleep!

Se me perdió el condenado libro que necesitaba para el examen.

I lost the darned book I needed for the exam.

Emotional Intensifier

In this informal sense, 'condenado' acts like 'darned' or 'cursed' in English, adding emotional emphasis to the noun, usually negative.

Annoyance vs. Misery

Learners often confuse 'condenado' and 'desgraciado'. Remember that 'condenado' is best for expressing frustration with an object or situation (like a 'wretched' alarm clock), while 'desgraciado' describes a person's unfortunate state or general misery.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.