lástima in 30 Sekunden
- Lástima: pity, compassion, shame, regret.
- Used for unfortunate situations or someone's misfortune.
- Common phrases: ¡Qué lástima!, me da lástima.
- Expresses sympathy or disappointment.
The Spanish word lástima, a feminine noun, translates most directly to 'pity' or 'compassion' in English. It describes a feeling of sorrow or regret for someone else's misfortune or for an unfortunate situation. It's a versatile word used in various contexts to express sympathy, regret, or disappointment.
- Core Meaning
- A feeling of sadness or sympathy caused by the suffering or misfortune of others, or by an unfortunate circumstance.
- Common Usage
- It is often used in exclamations like "¡Qué lástima!" (What a shame! / What a pity!) to express disappointment or commiseration. It can also be used to express regret over a missed opportunity or an unfavorable outcome.
- Nuances
- While 'pity' is a close translation, 'lástima' can also carry a sense of regret or a feeling that something could or should have been different. It's not always about deep sorrow; it can be a milder expression of disappointment.
¡Qué lástima que no pudiste venir a la fiesta!
Me da mucha lástima por el perro que se perdió.
Es una lástima que el tren llegue tarde.
- Emotional Range
- The emotional weight of 'lástima' can vary. It can be a mild expression of disappointment, like when a favorite team loses, or a deeper feeling of empathy for someone facing hardship.
- Usage Scenarios
- You'll hear 'lástima' used when discussing: personal setbacks, unfortunate news, missed opportunities, the struggles of others, and situations that didn't turn out as hoped.
Mastering 'lástima' involves understanding its grammatical roles and common sentence structures. It typically functions as a noun, often appearing after verbs like 'dar' (to give) or in exclamations.
- Expressing Disappointment/Regret
- The most frequent use is in the exclamation '¡Qué lástima!'. This can be used in almost any situation where something unfortunate or disappointing occurs.
¡Qué lástima que se acabó la película tan pronto!
- Expressing Pity/Compassion
- When you feel sorry for someone, you often use the construction 'me da lástima' (it gives me pity) or 'tener lástima de alguien' (to have pity for someone).
Me da mucha lástima el anciano que vive solo.
Tengo lástima de los niños que no tienen qué comer.
- As a Subject
- Less commonly, 'lástima' can act as the subject of a sentence, emphasizing the unfortunate nature of something.
La lástima es que no tenemos suficiente presupuesto.
- With 'Que' Clause
- 'Lástima' is often followed by 'que' and a subjunctive clause to express regret about a situation or action.
Es una lástima que el concierto haya sido cancelado.
- Negative Contexts
- While 'lástima' expresses negative feelings, it's used to comment on negative situations. You wouldn't typically say '¡Qué lástima!' about something good happening.
'Lástima' is a common word that you'll encounter in everyday Spanish conversations, media, and literature. Its prevalence makes it essential for understanding nuances in emotional expression.
- Everyday Conversations
- In casual chats, '¡Qué lástima!' is a go-to phrase for reacting to bad news, like a friend's canceled vacation or a favorite shop closing down. It's also used when expressing sympathy for minor inconveniences others face.
Oye, me enteré de que perdiste tu billetera. ¡Qué lástima!
- News and Media
- News reports, especially those covering human interest stories or difficult situations, often use 'lástima' to convey empathy towards those affected by tragedies, natural disasters, or economic hardship.
La lástima es que las inundaciones dejaron a muchas familias sin hogar.
- Movies and Television
- In dramas and even comedies, characters might express 'lástima' when reacting to a character's sad fate, a failed plan, or a missed romantic opportunity. It adds a layer of emotional realism.
El protagonista suspiró y dijo: "Es una lástima que no funcione.".
- Literature
- Authors use 'lástima' to paint vivid emotional scenes. Whether describing a character's internal feelings of regret or their external expression of sympathy, it's a common tool for conveying emotional depth.
- Regional Variations
- While 'lástima' is universally understood, the intensity or frequency of its use might slightly vary by region, but its core meaning remains consistent across the Spanish-speaking world.
While 'lástima' is a straightforward word, learners sometimes make errors in its usage, often related to its grammatical function or the intensity of the emotion conveyed.
- Confusing with 'Tristeza' (Sadness)
- 'Lástima' is usually a reaction to an external event or another person's situation, conveying pity or regret. 'Tristeza' is a more general feeling of sadness, which can be internal and not necessarily tied to a specific external cause or another person.
Mistake: Me da lástima porque estoy triste.
Correction: Me da lástima por el perro abandonado. (Expressing pity for the dog) / Estoy triste por la noticia. (Expressing personal sadness)
- Incorrect Verb Usage
- Using 'lástima' directly with verbs like 'ser' or 'estar' in ways that don't fit its noun function can lead to errors. The common constructions are 'me da lástima' or 'tener lástima'.
Mistake: La situación es una lástima.
Correction: Es una lástima que la situación sea así. (Using 'es una lástima' is correct, but the structure matters).
- Overusing '¡Qué lástima!'
- While '¡Qué lástima!' is very common, using it for every minor inconvenience might sound a bit dramatic. Sometimes a simpler expression of disappointment is more appropriate.
Mistake: ¡Qué lástima que mi café esté un poco frío!
Correction: Mi café está un poco frío. (Simple statement) or maybe ¡Qué pena! (What a shame/pity - slightly less intense than 'lástima' in some contexts).
- Forgetting the Subjunctive
- When 'lástima' is followed by 'que' and introduces a clause expressing the reason for the pity or regret, the subjunctive mood is usually required. Forgetting this is a common grammatical slip.
Mistake: Es una lástima que no tenemos tiempo.
Correction: Es una lástima que no tengamos tiempo.
While 'lástima' is a key word for expressing pity and regret, Spanish offers other words and phrases that can convey similar sentiments, sometimes with subtle differences in meaning or intensity.
- Pena
- 'Pena' can also mean 'pity' or 'shame', and is often used interchangeably with 'lástima', especially in exclamations like '¡Qué pena!'. However, 'pena' can also refer to embarrassment or sorrow more broadly. 'Lástima' often implies a stronger sense of regret or misfortune.
- Comparison:
- - ¡Qué lástima que no viniste!
- - ¡Qué pena que no viniste!
- Both are very similar here. 'Lástima' might lean slightly more towards regret for a missed opportunity, while 'pena' could also imply a slight disappointment.
- - ¡Qué pena que no viniste!
- Compasión
- 'Compasión' is a direct translation of 'compassion'. It refers to a deeper, more empathetic feeling of concern for the suffering of others. 'Lástima' can be a more superficial feeling of pity, while 'compasión' implies a stronger desire to alleviate suffering.
- Comparison:
- - Siento lástima por los animales callejeros.
- - Siento compasión por los animales callejeros.
- The first expresses pity. The second suggests a deeper emotional connection and a desire to help.
- - Siento compasión por los animales callejeros.
- Sentir (to feel)
- 'Sentir' combined with nouns like 'tristeza' (sadness) or 'pena' can express similar emotions. 'Sentir pena por alguien' is very close to 'tener lástima de alguien'.
- Comparison:
- - Me da lástima que el niño esté enfermo.
- - Siento pena porque el niño está enfermo.
- Both express concern for the sick child. 'Lástima' focuses on the unfortunate situation, while 'pena' might emphasize the feeling of sorrow about it.
- - Siento pena porque el niño está enfermo.
- Desgracia
- 'Desgracia' means misfortune or tragedy. While 'lástima' is a reaction to a 'desgracia', it is not the misfortune itself. You feel 'lástima' because of a 'desgracia'.
- Comparison:
- - La desgracia de perder su casa fue terrible.
- - Me dio lástima cuando supe de la desgracia.
- 'Desgracia' is the event; 'lástima' is the feeling about the event.
- - Me dio lástima cuando supe de la desgracia.
How Formal Is It?
Wusstest du?
The verb 'lastimar' (to hurt, to injure) shares the same root. So, 'lástima' is the noun form that describes the feeling resulting from being 'lastimado' (hurt).
Aussprachehilfe
- Pronouncing the 's' as 'z'.
- Incorrectly stressing a different syllable.
- Making the 'a' sounds too short or nasal.
- Adding an extra sound at the end.
- Confusing the vowel sounds.
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Understanding 'lástima' in reading requires recognizing its common phrases and the context of pity or regret. CEFR B1 level is appropriate.
Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest
Voraussetzungen
Als Nächstes lernen
Fortgeschritten
Wichtige Grammatik
The Subjunctive Mood after expressions of emotion/opinion.
Es una lástima que (él) no tenga tiempo. (It is a shame that he doesn't have time.) - 'tenga' is subjunctive.
Prepositions used with 'lástima'.
Me da lástima DE los perros. / Tengo lástima POR los perros. (Both are common, 'por' often implies the reason for the pity).
Using 'dar' and 'tener' with nouns to express feelings.
Me da miedo (fear), me da risa (laughter), me da lástima (pity). / Tengo hambre (hunger), tengo sed (thirst), tengo lástima (pity).
Agreement of adjectives with nouns.
Es una lástima GRANDE. (Although 'lástima' itself is feminine, 'grande' agrees with 'lástima' conceptually).
Exclamations using '¡Qué...!'
¡Qué lástima! ¡Qué bonito! ¡Qué fácil!
Beispiele nach Niveau
Qué lástima.
What a shame.
Simple exclamation.
Pobre perrito, lástima.
Poor little dog, pity.
Expressing pity for an animal.
Lástima que llueve.
Shame that it's raining.
Expressing regret about weather.
Me da lástima.
It makes me feel pity.
Expressing personal pity.
Qué lástima, no hay más.
What a shame, there isn't more.
Regret about scarcity.
Lástima, perdí el autobús.
Too bad, I missed the bus.
Regret about missing transportation.
Qué lástima de perro.
What a pity of a dog.
Expressing pity for a specific animal.
Lástima, se acabó.
Too bad, it's over.
Regret about something ending.
¡Qué lástima que no pudiste venir!
What a shame that you couldn't come!
'Que' + subjunctive is common.
Me da lástima por el niño enfermo.
I feel pity for the sick child.
'Dar lástima por' + noun.
Es una lástima que el juego se cancelara.
It's a shame that the game was canceled.
'Es una lástima que' + subjunctive.
No tengo lástima de él.
I don't feel pity for him.
Negative form of 'tener lástima'.
¡Qué lástima! Se me cayó el helado.
What a shame! I dropped my ice cream.
Exclamation about a minor accident.
Tengo lástima de la gente pobre.
I have pity for poor people.
'Tener lástima de' + person.
Lástima que el restaurante esté cerrado.
Too bad the restaurant is closed.
Expressing regret about a place.
Sentimos lástima por los animales abandonados.
We feel pity for the abandoned animals.
'Sentir lástima por' + group.
Me da lástima que no todos tengan acceso a la educación.
It makes me feel pity that not everyone has access to education.
Complex sentence with subjunctive.
Es una lástima que la situación económica empeore.
It's a shame that the economic situation is worsening.
Expressing concern about economic issues.
No puedo evitar sentir lástima por las víctimas de la guerra.
I can't help but feel pity for the victims of the war.
'No puedo evitar sentir' + noun.
Qué lástima que el proyecto no haya recibido financiación.
What a shame that the project did not receive funding.
Past subjunctive used correctly.
Tengo lástima de los que sufren injusticias.
I feel pity for those who suffer injustices.
'Tener lástima de' + plural noun.
Es una verdadera lástima que se pierda tanto potencial.
It's a real shame that so much potential is lost.
Using 'verdadera' for emphasis.
Sentimos lástima por la pareja que perdió a su hijo.
We feel pity for the couple who lost their child.
Expressing empathy for a specific tragic event.
¡Qué lástima que no hayamos podido ayudar más!
What a shame that we couldn't help more!
Past subjunctive expressing regret about insufficient help.
Es una lástima que la falta de comunicación haya provocado tantos malentendidos.
It's a shame that the lack of communication has caused so many misunderstandings.
Complex cause-and-effect with subjunctive.
Me provoca lástima ver a personas en situación de calle sin un techo.
It makes me feel pity to see homeless people without a roof.
'Provocar lástima' is a more formal alternative to 'dar lástima'.
La historia está llena de ejemplos de lástima hacia los marginados.
History is full of examples of pity towards the marginalized.
'Lástima' used as a concept.
Qué lástima que la inversión extranjera no haya llegado al país.
What a shame that foreign investment has not arrived in the country.
Economic context using past subjunctive.
Sentir lástima por alguien puede ser un primer paso hacia la empatía activa.
Feeling pity for someone can be a first step towards active empathy.
Abstract concept using 'sentir lástima'.
Es una lástima que la burocracia impida el progreso.
It's a shame that bureaucracy hinders progress.
Political/societal context.
El discurso del político evocó lástima en la audiencia.
The politician's speech evoked pity in the audience.
'Evocar lástima' - more literary.
Qué lástima que la oportunidad de paz se haya desvanecido.
What a shame that the opportunity for peace has vanished.
Diplomatic/historical context.
La narrativa del documental buscaba generar un sentimiento de lástima hacia los refugiados.
The documentary's narrative sought to generate a feeling of pity towards the refugees.
'Generar un sentimiento de lástima' - sophisticated phrasing.
Es una lástima que la pereza intelectual haya mermado el avance científico.
It's a shame that intellectual laziness has diminished scientific advancement.
Abstract concepts and advanced vocabulary.
La obra de caridad se fundó a raíz de la profunda lástima que sentían sus creadores por los desamparados.
The charity was founded as a result of the deep pity its creators felt for the destitute.
'A raíz de' and 'desamparados' add complexity.
Qué lástima que la incomprensión mutua haya conducido a un cisma irreparable.
What a shame that mutual misunderstanding has led to an irreparable schism.
Formal and abstract vocabulary.
El personaje literario, atormentado por su pasado, solo inspiraba lástima.
The literary character, tormented by his past, only inspired pity.
Literary context, passive voice.
Es una lástima que la falta de previsión haya resultado en una catástrofe evitable.
It's a shame that the lack of foresight has resulted in an avoidable catastrophe.
Focus on consequences and responsibility.
La compasión genuina va más allá de la simple lástima superficial.
Genuine compassion goes beyond simple superficial pity.
Distinguishing between 'compasión' and 'lástima'.
Qué lástima que la mediocridad se haya instalado como norma.
What a shame that mediocrity has become the norm.
Societal critique.
La retórica del político estaba diseñada para manipular las emociones, apelando a la lástima de la ciudadanía.
The politician's rhetoric was designed to manipulate emotions, appealing to the citizenry's pity.
Sophisticated vocabulary and rhetorical analysis.
Es una lástima que la vorágine de la vida moderna eclipse la contemplación de la fragilidad humana.
It is a shame that the vortex of modern life eclipses the contemplation of human fragility.
Philosophical and poetic language.
La obra artística, si bien provocaba cierta lástima, también invitaba a la reflexión sobre la condición humana.
The artwork, while evoking a certain pity, also invited reflection on the human condition.
Artistic critique and nuanced emotional response.
Qué lástima que la ambición desmedida haya socavado los principios éticos fundamentales.
What a shame that excessive ambition has undermined fundamental ethical principles.
Abstract concepts like ambition and ethics.
El cronista, con pluma certera, describió la desolación que inspiraba lástima y respeto a partes iguales.
The chronicler, with a precise pen, described the desolation that inspired pity and respect in equal measure.
Literary description and balanced emotions.
Es una lástima que la coyuntura histórica no permitiera el florecimiento de un ideal tan noble.
It is a shame that the historical juncture did not allow the flourishing of such a noble ideal.
Historical and abstract context.
La compasión, a diferencia de la mera lástima, implica un compromiso activo para aliviar el sufrimiento.
Compassion, unlike mere pity, implies an active commitment to alleviate suffering.
Defining terms and their distinctions.
Qué lástima que la falta de visión estratégica haya condenado al fracaso a una empresa prometedora.
What a shame that the lack of strategic vision has condemned a promising company to failure.
Business and strategic analysis.
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
— This is a very common exclamation used to express disappointment, regret, or that something is unfortunate or a shame.
¡Qué lástima que no pudiste venir a la fiesta! (What a shame you couldn't come to the party!)
— This phrase means 'It makes me feel pity (for)...' or 'I feel sorry (for)...'. It's used to express sympathy towards someone or something.
Me da lástima por el perro que se perdió. (I feel pity for the dog that got lost.)
— Similar to 'me da lástima', this means 'I have pity (for)...' or 'I feel sorry (for)...'. It's another common way to express sympathy.
Tengo lástima de los niños que no tienen juguetes. (I feel pity for the children who don't have toys.)
— This translates to 'It is a shame that...' or 'It is a pity that...'. It's used to introduce a statement about an unfortunate situation, often followed by the subjunctive mood.
Es una lástima que el tiempo sea tan malo. (It's a shame that the weather is so bad.)
— This means 'to feel pity' or 'to feel sorry'. It's a more direct verb phrase for expressing the emotion.
Siento lástima por la gente que sufre. (I feel pity for people who suffer.)
— This means 'to cause pity' or 'to evoke sympathy'. It's used when someone or something makes others feel sorry for them.
Su aspecto desaliñado causaba lástima. (His disheveled appearance caused pity.)
— Similar to 'causar lástima', this means 'to awaken pity' or 'to elicit sympathy'.
El niño, solo y llorando, despertaba lástima. (The child, alone and crying, awakened pity.)
— This construction can be used to express pity for something specific, often in an exclamatory way.
¡Lástima de oportunidad perdida! (What a pity about the lost opportunity!)
— This means 'to not feel pity' or 'to have no sympathy'.
No tengo lástima de los que no se esfuerzan. (I have no pity for those who don't make an effort.)
— This is an emphatic way to say 'a lot of pity' or 'very sorry'.
Me da mucha lástima que hayas perdido tu trabajo. (I am very sorry that you lost your job.)
Wird oft verwechselt mit
'Pena' can also mean pity or shame, and is often interchangeable with 'lástima' in exclamations like '¡Qué pena!'. However, 'pena' has broader meanings including embarrassment or sorrow.
'Tristeza' is general sadness. 'Lástima' is usually a reaction to an external event or someone else's misfortune, conveying pity or regret.
'Lastimar' is the verb meaning 'to hurt' or 'to injure'. 'Lástima' is the noun meaning pity or regret.
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
— Literally 'to give pity', this idiom means to evoke pity or sympathy; to look or seem pathetic.
El perro sucio y flaco daba lástima.
Informal— This phrase implies that something is a pity or a shame, often used in a more direct statement than the exclamation '¡Qué lástima!'.
Ser lástima que no podamos ir juntos.
Neutral— This is a common structure to express regret about something that did not happen or is not happening.
Lástima que no estudié más para el examen.
Neutral— To not evoke pity; to not seem pathetic or in need of sympathy.
A pesar de sus problemas, él no daba lástima a nadie.
Neutral— To feel sorry for oneself; to indulge in self-pity.
Deja de tener lástima de ti mismo y actúa.
Informal— With pity in one's eyes; looking sympathetic.
Me miró con lástima en los ojos.
Neutral— A shame that evokes pity; a situation that is both regrettable and sad.
Su situación económica es una pena que da lástima.
Informal— A waste of time; regret over time that has been spent unfruitfully.
Fue lástima de tiempo perdido estudiar ese tema.
Neutral— To not even deserve pity; to be in a situation that is a consequence of one's own bad actions.
Después de lo que hizo, no merece ni lástima.
Informal— To have little pity for someone; to not feel much sympathy.
Tengo poca lástima por los que se quejan constantemente.
NeutralLeicht verwechselbar
Both words can express pity and disappointment, especially in exclamations like '¡Qué pena!' and '¡Qué lástima!'.
'Pena' can also mean embarrassment or sorrow more generally. 'Lástima' specifically refers to pity or regret for misfortune. While often interchangeable in exclamations, 'lástima' might carry a slightly stronger sense of regret or misfortune.
¡Qué lástima que no viniste! (What a shame you didn't come!) - focuses on the missed event. ¡Qué pena me da! (I feel so sorry!) - focuses on the feeling of sorrow.
Both relate to negative emotional states.
'Tristeza' is a general feeling of sadness, which can be internal and not necessarily tied to an external cause or another person's situation. 'Lástima' is typically a reaction to an external event or the suffering of others, conveying pity or regret.
Me da lástima por el perro abandonado. (I feel pity for the abandoned dog.) vs. Me siento triste porque hace mal tiempo. (I feel sad because the weather is bad.)
Both relate to feeling for others' suffering.
'Compasión' implies a deeper, more empathetic understanding and a desire to alleviate suffering. 'Lástima' can be a more superficial feeling of pity, sometimes even detached.
Siento lástima por los pobres. (I feel pity for the poor.) vs. Siento compasión por los pobres y quiero ayudarlos. (I feel compassion for the poor and want to help them.)
They share the same root and sound similar.
'Lastimar' is a verb meaning 'to hurt' or 'to injure' (physically or emotionally). 'Lástima' is a noun meaning 'pity', 'compassion', or 'regret'.
El golpe me lastimó mucho. (The blow hurt me a lot.) vs. Me da lástima que te hayas lastimado. (I feel pity that you got hurt.)
Both mean pity.
'Piedad' often carries a stronger connotation of mercy or a plea for leniency, sometimes with religious undertones. 'Lástima' is a more general term for pity or regret.
El juez mostró piedad y redujo la sentencia. (The judge showed mercy and reduced the sentence.) vs. Me da lástima por el niño que perdió su juguete. (I feel pity for the child who lost his toy.)
Satzmuster
¡Qué lástima!
¡Qué lástima!
Lástima que + [noun/short phrase]
Lástima que llueve.
Me da lástima por + [noun]
Me da lástima por el perro.
Es una lástima que + [subjunctive clause]
Es una lástima que no vengas.
Tengo lástima de + [noun]
Tengo lástima de los niños.
Sentir lástima por + [noun]
Siento lástima por él.
Causar/Despertar lástima en + [noun]
Su historia causó lástima en la audiencia.
Generar/Evocar lástima
La película evoca lástima.
Wortfamilie
Substantive
Verben
Adjektive
Verwandt
So verwendest du es
High
-
Using 'lástima' for personal sadness.
→
Me siento triste.
'Lástima' is typically used for pity or regret concerning an external situation or another person's misfortune, not for general personal sadness ('tristeza').
-
Forgetting the subjunctive after 'Es una lástima que...'.
→
Es una lástima que no <strong>tengamos</strong> tiempo.
Expressions of emotion or opinion often trigger the subjunctive mood in the following clause introduced by 'que'.
-
Confusing 'lástima' (noun) with 'lastimar' (verb).
→
Me da lástima que te hayas lastimado.
'Lástima' is the noun for pity/regret. 'Lastimar' is the verb meaning 'to hurt' or 'to injure'.
-
Using 'lástima' as an adjective.
→
Es una situación lástima.
'Lástima' is a noun. You might say 'Es una situación lamentable' (It's a regrettable situation) or 'Es una lástima que la situación sea así'.
-
Using 'lástima' for something positive.
→
¡Qué alegría que hayas aprobado!
'Lástima' is used for unfortunate or regrettable situations. For positive news, use words like 'alegría' (joy) or 'felicidad' (happiness).
Tipps
Master the Exclamation
The phrase '¡Qué lástima!' is incredibly common and versatile. Use it to react to any unfortunate event, big or small, from a friend canceling plans to a national disaster. It's a quick and effective way to show you acknowledge the negative situation.
Subjunctive is Key
When 'lástima' is followed by 'que' to introduce a clause, the subjunctive mood is almost always required. For example, 'Es una lástima que no tengamos tiempo' (not 'tenemos'). This is crucial for grammatical correctness.
Distinguish from 'Tristeza'
Remember that 'lástima' is about pity or regret for an external situation or another person's misfortune. 'Tristeza' is general sadness. You feel 'lástima' *for* something or someone; you feel 'tristeza' *because* of something.
Stress the First Syllable
The stress in 'lástima' falls firmly on the first syllable: LÁS-ti-ma. Ensure you pronounce the 'a' sounds clearly, like the 'a' in 'father'. Correct stress is key to being understood.
Cultural Empathy
Expressing 'lástima' is a way to show cultural empathy. It acknowledges shared human vulnerability and fosters connection. Using it appropriately demonstrates your understanding of social cues in Spanish-speaking contexts.
Connect to 'Last Minute'
Use the mnemonic: imagine a sad, 'LAST' minute 'IMA'ge of someone crying because they missed their flight. This visual and auditory link can help you remember the meaning of 'lástima' as pity or regret.
Use it in Sentences
The best way to internalize 'lástima' is to use it. Try writing sentences describing hypothetical or real situations where you feel pity or regret. The more you practice, the more natural it will become.
Lástima vs. Pena
While often interchangeable in exclamations like '¡Qué lástima!' and '¡Qué pena!', remember that 'pena' can also mean embarrassment or general sorrow. 'Lástima' often focuses more specifically on pity or regret over misfortune.
Beyond Simple Pity
Understand that 'lástima' can express not just pity but also a sense of regret that something unfortunate happened, or that a situation is not ideal. It's a nuanced emotion.
Listen in Media
Pay attention to how 'lástima' is used in Spanish-language movies, TV shows, and songs. This will give you authentic examples of its usage in various contexts and registers.
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Imagine a sad, 'LAST' minute 'IMA'ge of someone crying because they missed their flight. The 'LAST IMA'ge makes you feel 'lástima'.
Visuelle Assoziation
Picture a person looking down with slumped shoulders, perhaps holding a wilting flower, embodying the feeling of pity or regret.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Try to use 'lástima' in three different sentences describing situations where you feel pity or regret. For example, about a friend's failed project, a stray animal, or a missed opportunity.
Wortherkunft
The word 'lástima' comes from the Latin word 'laesima', which is the accusative form of 'laesus', the past participle of the verb 'laedere'. 'Laedere' means 'to hurt', 'to wound', or 'to offend'.
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: The original meaning was related to harm or injury, which evolved to encompass the emotional response to such harm or misfortune.
Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > SpanishKultureller Kontext
While 'lástima' expresses sympathy, be mindful that in some contexts, excessive pity can be perceived as condescending. However, in most everyday situations, it's a genuine expression of care.
While 'pity' is the closest English equivalent, 'lástima' can sometimes carry a broader sense of regret or disappointment, similar to 'shame' or 'too bad'.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Reacting to bad news or unfortunate events.
- ¡Qué lástima!
- Es una lástima que...
- Me da lástima...
Expressing sympathy for someone's difficulties.
- Tengo lástima de ti.
- Me da mucha lástima que estés pasando por esto.
- Pobrecito/a...
Commenting on missed opportunities or unfavorable outcomes.
- ¡Qué lástima de oportunidad!
- Es una lástima que no haya funcionado.
- Lástima que se acabó.
Discussing struggles of others (animals, people in need).
- Me da lástima por los animales.
- Siento lástima por la gente sin hogar.
- Es una lástima que sufran.
Expressing personal regret about a situation.
- Me da lástima que no te pude ayudar.
- Qué lástima que no lo hice antes.
- Lástima que el tiempo se acabó.
Gesprächseinstiege
"Did you hear about what happened to X? ¡Qué lástima!"
"I saw a documentary about Y last night, it made me feel a lot of lástima."
"It's a lástima that we can't go out tonight because of the weather."
"Do you ever feel lástima for characters in sad movies?"
"What's something that recently happened that made you say '¡Qué lástima!'?"
Tagebuch-Impulse
Describe a time you felt lástima for someone. What was the situation, and what did you do?
Write about an opportunity you missed. How did you feel? Use the word 'lástima'.
Reflect on a situation where you thought '¡Qué lástima!' What made it unfortunate?
Imagine you are volunteering at an animal shelter. Describe the animals and the feelings of 'lástima' they might evoke.
Consider the difference between 'lástima' and 'compasión'. Write a short paragraph explaining when you would use each term.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 Fragen'Lástima' itself describes a negative emotion (pity, regret) and is used in response to negative situations. However, expressing 'lástima' can be a positive social interaction, showing empathy and care. The situations that evoke 'lástima' are negative, but the act of expressing it can be seen as kind.
Yes, you can feel 'lástima' for yourself, which is often called 'tener lástima de sí mismo' (to feel sorry for oneself). This is generally seen as a negative state, implying self-pity.
'¡Qué lástima!' is a direct, often spontaneous exclamation of disappointment or regret. 'Es una lástima que...' is a more complete sentence structure used to introduce the reason for the pity or regret, usually followed by the subjunctive mood.
'Lástima' itself is a neutral noun. However, its usage can range from informal exclamations like '¡Qué lástima!' to more formal sentence structures like 'Es una lástima que la situación económica...' The context and accompanying phrasing determine the formality.
Yes, it can be used metaphorically or to express regret about the state or loss of an inanimate object, especially if it has sentimental value or represents something unfortunate.
Both are very common. '¡Qué lástima!' and '¡Qué pena!' are often used interchangeably in everyday speech to express disappointment. 'Lástima' might lean slightly more towards regret for a specific unfortunate event, while 'pena' can also encompass broader sorrow or embarrassment.
Generally, no. 'Lástima' is an expression of empathy or regret. While pity can sometimes be perceived as condescending, 'lástima' itself is usually meant as a genuine acknowledgment of misfortune.
The plural form is 'lástimas'. It's used when referring to multiple instances of pity or regrettable events.
'Too bad' can often be translated as '¡Qué lástima!' or 'Es una lástima'. Depending on the nuance, '¡Qué pena!' is also a good option.
'Miseria' refers to extreme poverty, destitution, or wretchedness. 'Lástima' is the feeling of pity or compassion evoked by such a state or by any misfortune.
Teste dich selbst 96 Fragen
Write two sentences using 'lástima' to describe something unfortunate.
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Write a sentence using 'Me da lástima por...' to express pity for someone or something.
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Write a sentence using 'Es una lástima que...' followed by the subjunctive mood.
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Write a short paragraph (2-3 sentences) about a situation where you felt 'lástima' and explain why.
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Describe a scenario where 'lástima' might be evoked by a piece of art or a story, using more complex vocabulary.
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Compose a sentence that contrasts 'lástima' with 'compasión' or discusses the nuances of expressing pity in a formal context.
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What emotion is being expressed?
What is the speaker feeling?
What is the reason for the disappointment?
What does the speaker imply about the failed negotiations?
What did the film evoke in the audience?
What was the politician's strategy, according to the analyst?
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Summary
Lástima is a versatile Spanish noun expressing pity, compassion, or regret for unfortunate circumstances or the misfortunes of others. It's commonly heard in exclamations like '¡Qué lástima!' (What a shame!) and in phrases like 'me da lástima' (I feel pity). Understanding its nuances helps convey empathy and react appropriately to negative situations.
- Lástima: pity, compassion, shame, regret.
- Used for unfortunate situations or someone's misfortune.
- Common phrases: ¡Qué lástima!, me da lástima.
- Expresses sympathy or disappointment.
Master the Exclamation
The phrase '¡Qué lástima!' is incredibly common and versatile. Use it to react to any unfortunate event, big or small, from a friend canceling plans to a national disaster. It's a quick and effective way to show you acknowledge the negative situation.
Subjunctive is Key
When 'lástima' is followed by 'que' to introduce a clause, the subjunctive mood is almost always required. For example, 'Es una lástima que no tengamos tiempo' (not 'tenemos'). This is crucial for grammatical correctness.
Distinguish from 'Tristeza'
Remember that 'lástima' is about pity or regret for an external situation or another person's misfortune. 'Tristeza' is general sadness. You feel 'lástima' *for* something or someone; you feel 'tristeza' *because* of something.
Stress the First Syllable
The stress in 'lástima' falls firmly on the first syllable: LÁS-ti-ma. Ensure you pronounce the 'a' sounds clearly, like the 'a' in 'father'. Correct stress is key to being understood.
Verwandte Inhalte
Dieses Wort in anderen Sprachen
Verwandte Redewendungen
Mehr emotions Wörter
a diferencia de
B1Im Gegensatz zu meinem Bruder bin ich sehr ruhig.
abatido
B1Gefühl von großer Traurigkeit oder Entmutigung; niedergeschlagen.
abatimiento
B2Abatimiento bedeutet Niedergeschlagenheit oder Mutlosigkeit nach einem Misserfolg.
abatir
B1Abatir: Jemanden entmutigen oder etwas niederwerfen. 'Die Nachricht hat ihn völlig abatido gemacht' (The news made him completely dejected).
abierto/a de mente
B2Weltoffen; bereit, neue Ideen in Betracht zu ziehen.
aborrecer
B1Verabscheuen; hassen. 'Ich verabscheue Lügen mehr als alles andere.'
abrazar
A1Umarmen. 'Sie umarmte ihren Vater herzlich.' 'Die Firma entschied sich, neue Technologien zu umarmen.'
abrazo
A1Ein Akt, bei dem man jemanden eng in den Armen hält; eine Umarmung.
abrumador
B1Etwas, das überwältigend oder erdrückend ist, wie eine große Last.
abrumar
B1Jemanden mit einer großen Menge von etwas überwältigen.
