Signification
Expressing regret or disappointment about a situation.
Contexte culturel
In Spain, 'Es una lástima' is used frequently in both formal and informal contexts. It is often paired with a sigh to emphasize the feeling. Mexicans often use 'Qué lástima' or 'Qué pena' interchangeably. It is a very common way to show solidarity in daily life. Argentines might use 'Qué bajón' as a slang alternative to 'Es una lástima' when something is disappointing. In Colombia, 'Es una lástima' is used with a polite tone, often accompanied by 'lo siento' to show deep empathy.
Subjunctive Trigger
Always remember that 'Es una lástima que' is a trigger for the subjunctive mood. It is one of the most common triggers you will encounter.
False Friend
Never use 'lástima' to describe a physical injury. Use 'lesión' or 'herida' instead.
Signification
Expressing regret or disappointment about a situation.
Subjunctive Trigger
Always remember that 'Es una lástima que' is a trigger for the subjunctive mood. It is one of the most common triggers you will encounter.
False Friend
Never use 'lástima' to describe a physical injury. Use 'lesión' or 'herida' instead.
Empathy First
In Spanish-speaking cultures, using this phrase shows that you are emotionally engaged in the conversation.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct subjunctive form.
Es una lástima que tú no ______ (poder) venir.
After 'Es una lástima que', we must use the subjunctive 'puedas'.
Choose the correct translation.
What is the best way to say 'It's a pity' in Spanish?
Both 'Es una lástima' and 'Es una pena' are correct, but 'Es una lástima' is the target phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Perdí mi tren. B: ______.
You need an expression of empathy for bad news.
Match the situation to the appropriate response.
Your friend's cat is sick.
This is an unfortunate event that warrants empathy.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesEs una lástima que tú no ______ (poder) venir.
After 'Es una lástima que', we must use the subjunctive 'puedas'.
What is the best way to say 'It's a pity' in Spanish?
Both 'Es una lástima' and 'Es una pena' are correct, but 'Es una lástima' is the target phrase.
A: Perdí mi tren. B: ______.
You need an expression of empathy for bad news.
Your friend's cat is sick.
This is an unfortunate event that warrants empathy.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it is too light. Use 'Lo siento mucho' for deaths or serious illness.
It is neutral. It works in almost any situation.
Because you are expressing an emotional reaction to a fact, not stating the fact itself.
They are synonyms. You can use them interchangeably.
No, that is incorrect. Use 'Es una lástima que' or just 'Es una lástima'.
Use 'Me das lástima' or 'Lo siento por ti'.
Yes, it is universally understood.
Yes, e.g., 'Es una lástima que yo no pueda ir'.
No, it is polite and empathetic.
No, it can stand alone as a response.
Expressions liées
Es una pena
synonymIt is a pity
Qué lástima
similarWhat a pity
Lo siento
similarI am sorry
Me da pena
builds onIt makes me sad
