Significado
Used to express regret or disappointment about a situation.
Contexto cultural
British speakers use 'What a pity' or 'What a shame' very frequently as a 'social filler'. It is often used even if the speaker doesn't feel particularly sad, just to be polite. In the US, 'What a pity' can sound slightly theatrical or 'British'. Americans are much more likely to say 'That's too bad' or 'That's a bummer'. Australians often use 'What a shame' or the more informal 'Bummer'. 'What a pity' is understood but might sound a bit formal for a casual BBQ. In international business, 'What a pity' is a safe, 'neutral' phrase that avoids the stronger emotional weight of 'I'm sorry' (which can sometimes sound like an admission of guilt).
The 'That' Rule
You can always add 'that' to explain why you are sad: 'What a pity that you're leaving.'
Don't be too heavy
Avoid using this for death or serious illness. It sounds like you are making light of a tragedy.
Significado
Used to express regret or disappointment about a situation.
The 'That' Rule
You can always add 'that' to explain why you are sad: 'What a pity that you're leaving.'
Don't be too heavy
Avoid using this for death or serious illness. It sounds like you are making light of a tragedy.
Intonation Matters
Use a falling tone to sound sincere. A flat tone can sound like you are being sarcastic.
British vs American
If you want to sound more British, use 'What a pity'. If you want to sound more American, use 'That's too bad'.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the most natural response to the following situation.
Friend: 'I wanted to buy that dress, but it's sold out in my size.'
'What a pity!' is the standard fixed expression. 'What pity!' is missing the article, and 'I have pity' sounds like you are showing mercy to a criminal.
Complete the sentence with the correct words.
What ___ pity ____ you can't join us for lunch.
The structure is 'What a pity (that) [clause]'.
Match the situation to the best use of 'What a pity'.
Which situation is NOT appropriate for 'What a pity'?
'What a pity' is too light for the death of a pet. You should say 'I'm so sorry' instead.
Fill in the missing line to make the dialogue sound natural.
A: 'I'm afraid the flight has been delayed by three hours.' B: '___________' A: 'Yes, I'm sorry for the inconvenience.'
All these variations are natural and polite ways to acknowledge the delay.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
When to use 'What a pity'
Use it for...
- • Missed bus
- • Rainy day
- • Sold out tickets
- • Minor mistakes
Don't use it for...
- • Death
- • Serious illness
- • Major accidents
- • Losing a home
Pity vs. Shame vs. Too Bad
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosFriend: 'I wanted to buy that dress, but it's sold out in my size.'
'What a pity!' is the standard fixed expression. 'What pity!' is missing the article, and 'I have pity' sounds like you are showing mercy to a criminal.
What ___ pity ____ you can't join us for lunch.
The structure is 'What a pity (that) [clause]'.
Which situation is NOT appropriate for 'What a pity'?
'What a pity' is too light for the death of a pet. You should say 'I'm so sorry' instead.
A: 'I'm afraid the flight has been delayed by three hours.' B: '___________' A: 'Yes, I'm sorry for the inconvenience.'
All these variations are natural and polite ways to acknowledge the delay.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt is neutral to slightly formal. It's safe for work and for friends.
No, you must say 'What a pity'. 'Pity' needs the article 'a' here.
They are 99% the same. 'Shame' is slightly more common in modern, casual conversation.
It's better to use 'I'm so sorry'. 'What a pity' is a bit too light for a death.
Yes, but 'That's too bad' is much more common in the US.
Use a flat, bored voice. 'Oh, you lost your phone again? What a pity.'
Yes, 'It's a pity' and 'What a pity' are both correct and common.
It's an idiom meaning 'and that makes the situation even more regrettable'.
No, but 'to pity someone' can sometimes feel a bit condescending.
Yes, it's very common in professional emails to acknowledge minor issues.
Frases relacionadas
What a shame
synonymUsed to express regret or disappointment.
Too bad
similarUsed to say that something is unfortunate.
That's a bummer
similarUsed for a disappointing situation.
A crying shame
specialized formSomething that is very unfortunate or unfair.
More's the pity
builds onUsed to say that a bad situation is even worse than it seems.
