Signification
Expressing regret, disappointment, or sadness about a situation.
Contexte culturel
In Spain, 'Es una pena' is often used interchangeably with 'Es una lástima'. You will hear it constantly in bars and social gatherings to acknowledge any minor inconvenience. Mexicans often use 'Qué lástima' but be careful with the word 'pena', as it frequently means 'shame' or 'embarrassment' (e.g., 'Me da pena' = 'I'm embarrassed'). While 'Es una lástima' is understood, Argentines might use 'Qué lástima' or the more informal 'Qué bajón' to express disappointment. In Colombia, 'Qué pesar' is a very common and warm alternative that carries a lot of regional flavor.
The Subjunctive Shortcut
If you are afraid of the subjunctive, just say '¡Qué lástima!' as a standalone reaction. It's 100% natural and avoids the grammar trap.
Don't be too cold
Avoid using this for serious illnesses or deaths. It can make you sound like you don't care.
Signification
Expressing regret, disappointment, or sadness about a situation.
The Subjunctive Shortcut
If you are afraid of the subjunctive, just say '¡Qué lástima!' as a standalone reaction. It's 100% natural and avoids the grammar trap.
Don't be too cold
Avoid using this for serious illnesses or deaths. It can make you sound like you don't care.
Regional preference
If you are in Spain, try using 'Es una pena' more often to sound like a local.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct verb form to complete the sentence.
Es una lástima que tú no _______ venir a la cena.
The expression 'Es una lástima que' triggers the present subjunctive 'puedas'.
Complete the exclamation.
¡_____ lástima que se haya roto el jarrón!
We use 'Qué' + noun to form exclamations in Spanish.
Match the situation to the most appropriate response.
Situation: Your friend's cat died.
'Es una lástima' is too light for the death of a pet; 'Lo siento muchísimo' is more empathetic.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: No ganamos el concurso. B: ________, el proyecto era muy bueno.
Losing a contest is an unfortunate event that fits the phrase perfectly.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesEs una lástima que tú no _______ venir a la cena.
The expression 'Es una lástima que' triggers the present subjunctive 'puedas'.
¡_____ lástima que se haya roto el jarrón!
We use 'Qué' + noun to form exclamations in Spanish.
Situation: Your friend's cat died.
'Es una lástima' is too light for the death of a pet; 'Lo siento muchísimo' is more empathetic.
A: No ganamos el concurso. B: ________, el proyecto era muy bueno.
Losing a contest is an unfortunate event that fits the phrase perfectly.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
No, it is grammatically incorrect in standard Spanish. Always use the subjunctive.
'Qué lástima' is more of an exclamation (What a shame!), while 'Es una lástima' is a full statement (It is a shame).
It's better to use 'Lo siento' or 'Perdón'. 'Es una lástima' sounds like you are an observer of the situation, not the cause.
Expressions liées
Es una pena
synonymIt's a shame.
Qué pesar
similarWhat a pity.
Menos mal
contrastThank goodness / At least.
Es una desgracia
specialized formIt's a disgrace/tragedy.
