En 15 segundos
- Expresses mild disappointment or regret.
- Use for small letdowns, not tragedies.
- Works in casual chats and some professional settings.
- Avoid for serious news; sounds insensitive.
Significado
Esta frase es tu opción para expresar decepción o arrepentimiento leve. Es como un suspiro suave cuando las cosas no salen según lo planeado, pero no es súper dramático. Piénsalo como reconocer una decepción sin detenerte en ella, perfecto para los contratiempos de todos los días.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 11Texting a friend about a canceled plan
Que pena que não vamos poder ir ao cinema hoje.
What a pity we can't go to the cinema today.
Reacting to bad news about a TV show
A minha série favorita foi cancelada? É uma pena!
My favorite series was canceled? That's a pity!
At a café, learning they're out of your favorite pastry
Vocês não têm mais aquele bolo de chocolate? É uma pena.
You don't have that chocolate cake anymore? That's a pity.
Contexto cultural
The phrase `É uma pena` likely evolved from the concept of 'pena' as a feeling of compassion or regret, similar to its use in English 'pity'. In Portuguese-speaking cultures, which often value expressing empathy and acknowledging shared feelings, this phrase provides a concise way to offer that mild commiseration. It reflects a cultural tendency to acknowledge unfortunate circumstances without necessarily dwelling on them, fostering a sense of shared understanding.
The Subjunctive Secret
When using 'É uma pena que...', remember to use the subjunctive mood afterwards (like 'esteja', 'tenha ido', 'fosse'). It sounds more natural and correct to native speakers!
Don't Use for Tragedy!
Using 'É uma pena' for serious events like death or major accidents is a big no-no. It sounds incredibly dismissive. Stick to 'Sinto muito' (I'm very sorry) or 'Meus pêsames' (My condolences) for those heavy moments.
En 15 segundos
- Expresses mild disappointment or regret.
- Use for small letdowns, not tragedies.
- Works in casual chats and some professional settings.
- Avoid for serious news; sounds insensitive.
What It Means
This phrase, É uma pena, is your friendly way to say 'What a shame!' or 'That's too bad!' in Portuguese. It's not a super strong expression of sadness, but more of a gentle acknowledgement that something isn't ideal. Imagine your friend tells you they missed the bus; you'd probably say É uma pena to show you get it. It carries a vibe of mild sympathy or regret. It’s like saying, 'Oh, that’s unfortunate,' without getting too emotional. It’s a subtle way to connect with someone over a small disappointment.
How To Use It
You use É uma pena when you hear about something unfortunate, disappointing, or a missed opportunity. It works for small things, like a favorite café being closed, or slightly bigger things, like someone not getting tickets to a concert. You can use it when talking to friends, family, or even colleagues in a less formal setting. It’s a versatile little phrase that fits many 'oops' moments. It's also super useful if you're watching a show and a character faces a setback – you can think, 'Ah, É uma pena for them!'
Formality & Register
É uma pena is quite flexible! It leans towards the informal and neutral side of things. You can totally use it with your buddies while texting or chatting. It's also perfectly fine in most professional settings if the context is a bit relaxed, like discussing a minor setback in a project with a coworker. However, you probably wouldn't use it in a super formal speech or a stern warning. It’s the linguistic equivalent of a gentle shrug. It’s not as casual as some slang, but definitely not stuffy.
Real-Life Examples
- Your friend’s vacation got canceled due to bad weather: "Ah, que chato!
É uma pena." (Oh, how annoying! What a shame.) - You hear someone didn't get the job they wanted: "Ele não conseguiu?
É uma pena." (He didn't get it? That's a pity.) - A popular show is ending its run: "Sério que a série acabou?
É uma pena, eu gostava tanto." (Seriously, the series ended? What a shame, I liked it so much.) - You forgot to buy tickets for an event: "Esqueci de comprar os ingressos.
É uma pena."
When To Use It
Use É uma pena when you want to express mild disappointment. This could be about a personal situation, something happening to someone else, or even a general observation about a less-than-ideal outcome. It's great for situations where you feel a little sad or regretful but don't need to convey deep sorrow. Think of it as a polite way to acknowledge a bummer. It fits perfectly when you hear news that isn't great but also isn't a tragedy. It's like a linguistic band-aid for minor hurts.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid É uma pena for truly tragic or devastating events. If someone has experienced a major loss, saying 'It's a pity' would sound incredibly insensitive. This phrase is for minor inconveniences and disappointments, not for expressing deep condolences or reacting to serious crises. Also, avoid it if you're trying to sound extremely formal or official; there are better phrases for those contexts. It’s not for when you need to deliver grave news either.
Common Mistakes
One common mistake is using it for very serious situations, which makes you sound uncaring. Another is confusing it with stronger expressions of regret. Think of it this way: you wouldn't say 'It's a pity' if your house burned down, right? You'd need something much more serious. Using it in a very formal setting can also sound a bit out of place, like wearing flip-flops to a black-tie event. It's all about matching the vibe!
Common Variations
In Portugal, you might sometimes hear Que pena! which is very similar, just emphasizing the 'pena' part. In Brazil, especially among younger people or in very casual contexts, you might hear variations like Que chato! (How annoying!) or Putz, que pena! (Wow, what a shame!). Que triste! (How sad!) can also be used, but it leans a bit more emotional. É uma pena itself is pretty standard across the board though.
Real Conversations
- Friend 1: "Não consegui renovar meu visto a tempo." (I couldn't renew my visa on time.)
- Friend 2: "Sério? É uma pena. E agora?" (Really? What a pity. What now?)
- Colleague 1: "O cliente cancelou a reunião de última hora." (The client canceled the meeting at the last minute.)
- Colleague 2: "Ah, que pena. Tivemos todo o trabalho para preparar." (Ah, what a shame. We did all the work to prepare.)
Quick FAQ
- What's the vibe? Mild disappointment. It’s like a gentle sigh, not a dramatic wail.
- Can I use it for big problems? Nope! Stick to smaller letdowns.
- Is it formal or informal? Mostly informal to neutral, but flexible.
- What if I want to sound more empathetic? Use phrases like
Sinto muito(I'm very sorry) for bigger issues. - Can I use it in writing? Yes, in emails or messages, if the tone is appropriate.
- How common is it? Very common! You'll hear it all the time.
- Does it mean 'it's a punishment'? No,
penahere means 'pity' or 'shame', not 'punishment'. - What's the opposite? There isn't a direct opposite, but you'd use positive phrases for good news!
Notas de uso
This phrase is quite versatile, ranging from informal chats to polite professional settings. Avoid using it for severe tragedies, as it can sound dismissive. Pay attention to the subjunctive mood when using 'É uma pena que...' followed by a clause, especially in more formal contexts.
The Subjunctive Secret
When using 'É uma pena que...', remember to use the subjunctive mood afterwards (like 'esteja', 'tenha ido', 'fosse'). It sounds more natural and correct to native speakers!
Don't Use for Tragedy!
Using 'É uma pena' for serious events like death or major accidents is a big no-no. It sounds incredibly dismissive. Stick to 'Sinto muito' (I'm very sorry) or 'Meus pêsames' (My condolences) for those heavy moments.
Vibe Check: Mild vs. Strong
Think of 'É uma pena' as a linguistic shoulder shrug. It acknowledges a bummer without dwelling. For stronger feelings, you might add context or use different phrases entirely.
Empathy in a Word
Portuguese culture often values showing empathy. 'É uma pena' is a quick, easy way to signal you understand and acknowledge someone's minor misfortune, fostering connection.
Ejemplos
11Que pena que não vamos poder ir ao cinema hoje.
What a pity we can't go to the cinema today.
Expresses regret about a canceled social event.
A minha série favorita foi cancelada? É uma pena!
My favorite series was canceled? That's a pity!
Shows disappointment about a fictional event.
Vocês não têm mais aquele bolo de chocolate? É uma pena.
You don't have that chocolate cake anymore? That's a pity.
Mild disappointment about a product availability.
É uma pena informar que a entrega do relatório será adiada por um dia.
It is a pity to inform you that the report delivery will be postponed by one day.
Formal but still conveys mild regret about a delay.
O dia lindo que planejei virou chuva 🌧️. É uma pena!
The beautiful day I planned turned into rain 🌧️. What a shame!
Casual, slightly humorous use for a relatable inconvenience.
É uma pena que não possamos prosseguir com a sua candidatura neste momento.
It is a pity that we cannot proceed with your application at this time.
A polite, formal way to reject a candidate, expressing regret.
✗ Meu avô faleceu. É uma pena.
✗ My grandfather passed away. It's a pity.
This sounds extremely insensitive for a death. Use 'Sinto muito' or 'Meus pêsames'.
✗ Ele recebeu uma pena por roubar.
✗ He received a punishment for stealing.
Here 'pena' means 'punishment' (sentença/punição), not 'pity'. The phrase `É uma pena` is about regret, not legal sentences.
Que triste ver isso. É uma pena que coisas assim aconteçam.
How sad to see this. It's a pity that things like this happen.
Expresses sympathy and regret about a negative situation shown.
Eu queria ter ido à festa, mas não pude. É uma pena.
I wanted to go to the party, but I couldn't. What a shame.
Expresses personal regret about not attending an event.
Seu voo foi cancelado? Puxa, é uma pena!
Your flight was canceled? Oh dear, that's a pity!
Shows empathy for a friend's travel inconvenience.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the sentence that correctly uses 'É uma pena'.
Which sentence best expresses mild disappointment?
The phrase `É uma pena` expresses regret or disappointment. Losing the bus is an unfortunate event, making this the correct usage. The other options express inappropriate sentiments (joy for winning, disappointment for good weather, or incorrect grammar).
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate phrase.
The cancellation of a show due to rain is disappointing news. `É uma pena` (It's a pity/What a shame) is the perfect phrase to express this mild disappointment.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
When expressing disappointment or regret about a situation using `É uma pena que...`, the subjunctive mood is required for the verb in the subordinate clause. 'Esteja' is the present subjunctive of 'estar'.
Translate this sentence into Portuguese.
The phrase `É uma pena que` translates 'It's a pity that'. The past tense 'pôde' (could) is used for 'couldn't come'.
Choose the sentence that correctly uses 'É uma pena'.
Which sentence correctly expresses regret about a missed opportunity?
Closing early is an unfortunate event, making `É uma pena` appropriate. The other options express inappropriate sentiments (joy for success, disappointment for sunrise, or sadness for others' happiness).
Fill in the blank.
Finding a restaurant closed upon arrival is a disappointment. `É uma pena` expresses this mild regret effectively.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
While 'Que pena!' can be used alone, the structure 'Que pena, [statement]' is less standard than 'É uma pena que [statement]'. Furthermore, the subjunctive 'tenha passado' is required after 'É uma pena que' when referring to a past event with uncertainty or regret.
Translate this sentence into Portuguese, considering formality.
This sentence requires the subjunctive mood ('tenha sido perdido') after 'É uma pena que' to express regret about a past event, fitting a more formal or professional context.
Choose the most appropriate response.
Your colleague tells you, 'I missed the deadline for the big client.' What's the best response?
Missing a deadline for a big client is a significant issue, but `É uma pena` still fits as a neutral, empathetic response acknowledging the unfortunate situation without being overly dramatic. 'Que sorte!' and 'Que bom!' are inappropriate. 'Isso é um castigo' means 'That's a punishment' and is irrelevant.
Fill in the blank, considering the context.
The context implies disappointment about the cancellation and inability to attend. `É uma pena` expresses this regret perfectly. 'Que bom' and 'Que sorte' are positive, and 'Sem dúvida' means 'without a doubt'.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
Similar to other examples, the expression of regret with 'É uma pena que' necessitates the use of the subjunctive mood. 'Tenha atrasado' is the present perfect subjunctive, correctly applied here to express disappointment about a past event (the flight being very late).
Translate this sentence into Portuguese.
This translates the sentiment of disappointment. While 'arruinou' (simple past) is acceptable, 'tenha arruinado' (present perfect subjunctive) would also be correct and perhaps slightly more formal, depending on the nuance intended.
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Ayudas visuales
Formality Spectrum for 'É uma pena'
Slang, jokes, very close friends.
Putz, que pena que acabou o episódio!
Everyday conversations, texting.
É uma pena que você não pode vir.
General use, polite conversation.
É uma pena saber disso.
Professional emails, official statements.
É uma pena informar que o evento foi cancelado.
When to Use 'É uma pena'
Missed connection
Perdi o ônibus. É uma pena.
Product unavailable
Não tem mais meu tamanho. É uma pena.
Canceled event
O show foi cancelado. É uma pena.
Bad news for others
Ele não passou no teste. É uma pena.
Unfortunate circumstance
Choveu no dia do piquenique. É uma pena.
Minor setback
Minha internet caiu. É uma pena.
Comparing 'Pena' Phrases
Usage Categories for 'É uma pena'
Personal Disappointment
- • Missed an event
- • Forgot something
- • Couldn't achieve a goal
Sympathy for Others
- • Friend's bad luck
- • Colleague's setback
- • Unfortunate news
Everyday Annoyances
- • Traffic jam
- • Bad weather
- • Out of stock item
Formal Acknowledgement
- • Project delay
- • Application rejection
- • Service issue
Banco de ejercicios
12 ejerciciosWhich sentence best expresses mild disappointment?
The phrase `É uma pena` expresses regret or disappointment. Losing the bus is an unfortunate event, making this the correct usage. The other options express inappropriate sentiments (joy for winning, disappointment for good weather, or incorrect grammar).
O show foi cancelado por causa da chuva. ___!
The cancellation of a show due to rain is disappointing news. `É uma pena` (It's a pity/What a shame) is the perfect phrase to express this mild disappointment.
Encuentra y corrige el error:
É uma pena que o tempo está tão bom.
When expressing disappointment or regret about a situation using `É uma pena que...`, the subjunctive mood is required for the verb in the subordinate clause. 'Esteja' is the present subjunctive of 'estar'.
It's a pity you couldn't come to the party.
Pistas: Use 'É uma pena que' for 'It's a pity that'., Remember the past tense for 'couldn't come'.
The phrase `É uma pena que` translates 'It's a pity that'. The past tense 'pôde' (could) is used for 'couldn't come'.
Which sentence correctly expresses regret about a missed opportunity?
Closing early is an unfortunate event, making `É uma pena` appropriate. The other options express inappropriate sentiments (joy for success, disappointment for sunrise, or sadness for others' happiness).
O restaurante estava fechado quando chegamos. ___!
Finding a restaurant closed upon arrival is a disappointment. `É uma pena` expresses this mild regret effectively.
Encuentra y corrige el error:
Que pena, ele não passou no exame.
While 'Que pena!' can be used alone, the structure 'Que pena, [statement]' is less standard than 'É uma pena que [statement]'. Furthermore, the subjunctive 'tenha passado' is required after 'É uma pena que' when referring to a past event with uncertainty or regret.
It's regrettable that the project deadline was missed.
Pistas: Use 'É uma pena que' for 'It's regrettable that'., The subjunctive mood is needed for the past event.
This sentence requires the subjunctive mood ('tenha sido perdido') after 'É uma pena que' to express regret about a past event, fitting a more formal or professional context.
Your colleague tells you, 'I missed the deadline for the big client.' What's the best response?
Missing a deadline for a big client is a significant issue, but `É uma pena` still fits as a neutral, empathetic response acknowledging the unfortunate situation without being overly dramatic. 'Que sorte!' and 'Que bom!' are inappropriate. 'Isso é um castigo' means 'That's a punishment' and is irrelevant.
Ouvi dizer que o evento foi cancelado. ___ que não poderei ir.
The context implies disappointment about the cancellation and inability to attend. `É uma pena` expresses this regret perfectly. 'Que bom' and 'Que sorte' are positive, and 'Sem dúvida' means 'without a doubt'.
Encuentra y corrige el error:
É uma pena que o voo atrasou muito.
Similar to other examples, the expression of regret with 'É uma pena que' necessitates the use of the subjunctive mood. 'Tenha atrasado' is the present perfect subjunctive, correctly applied here to express disappointment about a past event (the flight being very late).
What a shame the weather ruined our picnic.
Pistas: Use 'É uma pena que'., Use the past tense for 'ruined'.
This translates the sentiment of disappointment. While 'arruinou' (simple past) is acceptable, 'tenha arruinado' (present perfect subjunctive) would also be correct and perhaps slightly more formal, depending on the nuance intended.
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Tutoriales en video
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Preguntas frecuentes
20 preguntasLiterally, 'É uma pena' translates to 'It is a shame' or 'It is a pity'. The word 'pena' in this context refers to a feeling of regret or sympathy, not the feather of a bird or a legal punishment.
You should use 'É uma pena' to express mild disappointment, regret, or sympathy about a situation that didn't turn out ideally. It's perfect for everyday letdowns, minor inconveniences, or unfortunate news that isn't tragic.
Yes, you can use 'É uma pena' in formal contexts, but with care. Phrases like 'É uma pena informar que...' (It is a pity to inform that...) are acceptable for politely delivering slightly negative news, like a delay or cancellation.
'É uma pena' is a statement, typically meaning 'It is a pity'. 'Que pena!' is an exclamation, often translated as 'What a pity!' or 'What a shame!', and can sometimes feel a bit more emphatic or spontaneous.
The core meaning is the same. In Brazil, you might hear 'Que chato!' more frequently for mild annoyances, but 'É uma pena' is universally understood and used. Regional variations are subtle; the phrase itself is standard.
Absolutely not. Using 'É uma pena' for serious events like a death or a major disaster would sound very insensitive and dismissive. For such situations, use phrases like 'Sinto muito' (I'm very sorry) or 'Meus pêsames' (My condolences).
The vibe is one of mild disappointment or gentle sympathy. It's like a soft sigh acknowledging that something isn't great, but it's not a major crisis. It's polite and relatable for everyday setbacks.
Yes, 'pena' can mean 'feather' (like a bird's feather) or, in a legal context, 'sentence' or 'punishment'. However, in the phrase 'É uma pena', it specifically means 'pity' or 'shame', referring to an emotional state.
The opposite sentiment, expressing that something good happened, would use phrases like 'Que bom que...' (It's good that...) or 'Ainda bem que...' (Fortunately...). For example, 'Que bom que você veio!' (It's good that you came!).
For stronger regret, especially in more formal or serious situations, you might use phrases like 'Lamento profundamente...' (I deeply regret...) or 'É lamentável que...' (It is regrettable that...). These convey a more significant level of sorrow.
Generally, yes. When 'É uma pena que...' introduces a clause expressing regret or disappointment about a situation, the subjunctive mood is typically used ('que ele *venha*', 'que ela *tenha feito*'). It reflects the uncertainty or negative emotion associated with the event.
A frequent mistake is using it for serious tragedies, which sounds uncaring. Another is confusing the 'pena' meaning pity with 'pena' meaning punishment. Always consider the context to ensure you're conveying the right emotion.
Definitely! It's great for captions or comments about minor disappointments, like a rainy day ruining outdoor plans or a favorite item being sold out. It adds a touch of relatable human emotion.
Yes, 'É uma pena' is very similar in meaning and usage to 'It's a pity' or 'That's too bad' in English. Both are used for mild expressions of disappointment or sympathy.
In Portuguese-speaking cultures, acknowledging others' misfortunes, even minor ones, is a way to build social bonds and show empathy. 'É uma pena' allows for this brief, polite expression of shared understanding without needing deep emotional investment.
No, that would be incorrect and confusing. 'É uma pena' is exclusively for negative situations or disappointments. For positive events, you'd use phrases like 'Que bom!' (How good!) or 'Parabéns!' (Congratulations!).
In a professional email, you might write: 'É uma pena informar que, devido a imprevistos, a reunião precisará ser reagendada.' (It is a pity to inform that, due to unforeseen circumstances, the meeting will need to be rescheduled.) This politely conveys negative news.
The key is context. If the situation is clearly serious or tragic, avoid 'É uma pena' altogether. For less severe issues, it's generally fine, but gauge the situation – if in doubt, opt for a more neutral or empathetic phrase.
In Spanish, a similar phrase is 'Es una lástima' or 'Qué lástima'. Both 'pena' and 'lástima' convey a sense of pity or regret, showing a common linguistic root for expressing such sentiments in Romance languages.
If you want to express regret for your own actions, you can use 'É uma pena que...' followed by the subjunctive, like 'É uma pena que eu tenha esquecido' (It's a pity I forgot). Alternatively, 'Desculpe' (Sorry) or 'Peço desculpas' (I apologize) might be more direct.
Frases relacionadas
Que pena!
related topicWhat a pity! / What a shame!
This phrase is an exclamatory form of 'É uma pena' and is used very similarly to express spontaneous disappointment or sympathy.
Que chato!
related topicHow annoying! / What a drag!
This phrase is often used in Brazil as a more casual alternative to express annoyance or disappointment about everyday inconveniences.
Que triste!
related topicHow sad!
While 'É uma pena' is mild, 'Que triste!' implies a slightly stronger emotional response, closer to genuine sadness rather than just regret.
Sinto muito.
related topicI'm very sorry.
This phrase expresses deeper sympathy or condolences, used for more serious situations where 'É uma pena' would be too weak or insensitive.
Lamento.
formal versionI regret. / I'm sorry.
This is a more formal way to express regret or sorrow, often used in professional or official communications where 'É uma pena' might be too informal.
Que azar!
related topicWhat bad luck!
This phrase specifically focuses on bad luck or misfortune, whereas 'É uma pena' is a broader expression of disappointment or regret.
