At the A1 level, compadecer-se is a very advanced word that you probably won't use yourself, but you might see it in a story or a religious text. Think of it as a very strong way to say 'I feel sorry.' In English, we say 'I feel sorry for you.' In Portuguese, at this level, you usually say 'Tenho pena de você.' The word compadecer-se is like a bigger, more serious version of that.

Because it is a pronominal verb, it needs a little word like 'me' or 'se' next to it. For example, 'Eu me compadeço' (I feel pity). It also needs the word 'de' to point to the person you feel sorry for. It's like saying 'I share the pain of someone.' Don't worry about using it in your daily life yet; just try to recognize it when you see it in a book or hear it in a serious speech.

As an A2 learner, you are starting to understand more complex verbs. Compadecer-se is a verb that shows you have a big heart. It is more formal than 'ter pena.' You will notice that it is always used with 'se' (the reflexive pronoun) and 'de' (the preposition). For example: 'Ela se compadeceu do gato na rua' (She felt sorry for the cat on the street).

You can use this word when you want to sound a bit more polite or serious. If you are writing a card to someone who is sad, using this word shows you have a good vocabulary. Remember the conjugation: 'Eu me compadeço,' 'Você se compadece,' 'Nós nos compadecemos.' It follows the pattern of regular '-er' verbs but always keeps that reflexive pronoun. It's a great word to help you transition from basic 'survival' Portuguese to more 'expressive' Portuguese.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use compadecer-se in specific contexts, such as discussing social issues or writing formal emails. This verb is perfect for expressing empathy in a way that sounds educated. It implies a moral response to someone else's suffering. For example, 'É importante nos compadecermos dos mais necessitados' (It is important to sympathize with the most needy).

One key thing to master at this level is the placement of the reflexive pronoun. In negative sentences, remember to pull the pronoun before the verb: 'Ele não se compadeceu.' In Portugal, you might hear 'compadecer-se,' while in Brazil, 'se compadecer' is more common. This verb helps you discuss abstract feelings and ethics, which is a major goal of the B1 level. You are moving beyond just 'what I did' to 'how I feel about what is happening in the world.'

For B2 learners, compadecer-se is an essential part of your formal repertoire. You should understand its nuances compared to synonyms like 'solidarizar-se' or 'comover-se.' While 'solidarizar-se' is often political or social, compadecer-se is fundamentally emotional and ethical. You should be comfortable using it in the past tenses (Pretérito Perfeito and Imperfeito) to describe reactions and habitual attitudes.

Pay attention to the prepositional requirements in complex sentences. For instance, 'Compadecendo-se da situação, o diretor decidiu ajudar.' Here, the gerund form is used to explain the reason for an action. At this level, you should also be aware of the noun form, 'compaixão,' and how they relate. Using compadecer-se correctly in a debate or a written essay about human rights or charity will significantly boost your perceived fluency and sophistication.

At the C1 level, you should appreciate the literary and historical weight of compadecer-se. You can use it to create specific rhetorical effects, such as evoking a sense of noble mercy or criticizing a lack of empathy in society. You should be familiar with its use in classical literature and how it can be used ironically or in legal contexts to appeal to a judge's 'human side.'

You should also be adept at using the subjunctive mood with this verb to express hypothetical scenarios or complex desires. 'Se a sociedade se compadecesse mais, haveria menos desigualdade.' Your mastery of pronoun placement (ênclise, próclise, and even mesóclise in very formal European Portuguese) should be flawless with this verb. You understand that compadecer-se is not just a verb but a cultural marker of a certain type of empathetic discourse deeply rooted in the Lusophone tradition of 'humanismo.'

At the C2 level, you have a complete grasp of the semantic field surrounding compadecer-se. You can distinguish it from archaic or highly specialized terms like 'condoer-se' or 'misericordiar.' You understand its philosophical implications—how the verb functions as a linguistic bridge between the self and the other, reflecting the 'alterity' central to many Portuguese philosophical works.

In your own production, you use the verb with absolute precision, knowing exactly when its 'gravitas' is required and when a simpler term would suffice. You can analyze its use in the works of authors like Eça de Queirós or Clarice Lispector, noting how they use the reflexive nature of the verb to explore the interiority of their characters. For you, compadecer-se is a versatile tool for high-level analysis, creative writing, and sophisticated oratory, representing the pinnacle of emotional expression in the Portuguese language.

compadecer-se 30秒で

  • A formal pronominal verb meaning to feel deep compassion or pity for someone else's suffering or difficult situation.
  • Always requires a reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos, vos) and the preposition 'de' before the object of pity.
  • Commonly found in literature, religious texts, news reports, and formal speeches rather than casual everyday talk.
  • Derived from Latin roots meaning 'to suffer with', emphasizing a shared emotional experience between the observer and the victim.

The Portuguese verb compadecer-se is a deeply emotive and formal term that translates most accurately to the English concepts of 'to feel pity for,' 'to sympathize with,' or 'to have compassion for.' At its core, the word is built upon the idea of shared suffering. When you use compadecer-se, you are not merely acknowledging that someone is in a difficult situation; you are expressing a profound emotional resonance with their plight. It is a pronominal verb, meaning it is always used with a reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos, vos, se) and is almost invariably followed by the preposition de.

Emotional Depth
This verb goes beyond the simple 'sentir pena' (to feel sorry). It suggests a level of moral or spiritual engagement with the other person's misery. It is often used in literary, religious, or highly formal contexts where the speaker wishes to convey a noble form of empathy.
Social Context
In modern spoken Portuguese, you might hear this word when people discuss social injustices, humanitarian crises, or personal tragedies that are particularly moving. It is less common in casual, everyday conversation where phrases like 'ficar com pena' are preferred, but it remains essential for understanding formal writing and news broadcasts.

O juiz acabou por se compadecer da situação difícil do réu e reduziu a sentença.

The word carries a weight of responsibility. To compadecer-se is often the first step toward an act of charity or mercy. It implies that the observer's heart has been moved to the point of potentially changing their behavior or offering assistance. It is a word of the heart, but also a word of the conscience. In a religious context, it is frequently used to describe the divine mercy of God toward humanity, highlighting its association with grace and unmerited kindness.

É impossível não se compadecer das vítimas deste terrível terramoto.

Grammatical Requirement
Always pair the verb with 'de'. For example: 'Eu me compadeço da sua dor' (I sympathize with your pain). Without the 'de', the sentence is grammatically incomplete in Portuguese.

Historically, the verb stems from the Latin 'compati', which literally means 'to suffer with'. This etymological root is shared with the English word 'compassion'. Therefore, when you use compadecer-se, you are invoking a centuries-old tradition of acknowledging shared human vulnerability. It is a powerful tool for any Portuguese learner looking to express deep human connection and moral sensitivity.

Ela compadeceu-se do mendigo e comprou-lhe uma refeição quente.

Using compadecer-se correctly requires attention to two main factors: the reflexive pronoun and the preposition 'de'. Because it is a pronominal verb, the subject is performing the action upon their own emotional state. You are 'pitying yourself' in the sense that you are allowing yourself to feel the other's pain. Let's look at how this functions across various tenses and sentence structures to ensure you can use it with the precision of a native speaker.

Present Tense
In the present tense, it describes a current state of empathy. 'Eu me compadeço de você' (I feel for you). Note how 'de' combines with 'você' to stay 'de você', or with 'o/a' to become 'do/da'.

Nós nos compadecemos das famílias que perderam as suas casas no incêndio.

When using the past tense, specifically the Pretérito Perfeito, it usually refers to a specific moment when compassion was triggered. 'Ele se compadeceu da criança abandonada'. This implies a sudden shift in emotion or a specific act of sympathy that occurred at a definite point in time. In contrast, the Pretérito Imperfeito ('Ele se compadecia') would describe a habitual state of being a compassionate person or a feeling that lasted over a period of time.

Antigamente, ele compadecia-se de qualquer animal que visse na rua.

Subjunctive Mood
The subjunctive is common when expressing a wish for someone to be more empathetic. 'Espero que as autoridades se compadeçam da nossa situação'. This highlights the desired emotional response from a third party.

Furthermore, compadecer-se can be used in the infinitive form after auxiliary verbs. 'Você deveria se compadecer mais dos outros'. Here, the reflexive pronoun can be attached to the end of the infinitive ('compadecer-se') or placed before the auxiliary ('se deveria compadecer'), depending on regional preference and the specific rhythm of the sentence. Mastering these variations allows for a more natural flow in your Portuguese writing and speaking.

Ao ver a pobreza extrema, é difícil não se compadecer.

In academic or legal writing, you might encounter the passive or impersonal uses of the verb, though they are rarer. Usually, it remains a personal expression of feeling. It is also important to note that the object of compassion (the thing you feel sorry for) is always introduced by 'de'. You feel for someone or something. For example, 'compadecer-se da tragédia' (to feel for the tragedy) or 'compadecer-se do sofrimento alheio' (to feel for others' suffering).

While you might not hear 'compadecer-se' in a casual conversation about what to have for dinner, it occupies a significant space in the Portuguese linguistic landscape, particularly in spheres where human emotion and ethics intersect. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the word and use it appropriately to convey seriousness and depth.

Literature and Poetry
Portuguese literature, from the classics like Camões and Machado de Assis to modern novelists, frequently employs this verb. It is used to describe the internal moral struggles of characters or the narrator's perspective on human suffering. It adds a layer of 'gravitas' to the prose.

Na obra de Saramago, muitas vezes o narrador parece compadecer-se da cegueira moral da humanidade.

Religious and Spiritual Settings are perhaps the most common places to encounter this word today. In sermons, prayers, and religious texts, compadecer-se is the standard way to describe God's mercy or the expected attitude of a believer toward the poor and suffering. If you attend a Catholic mass in Portugal or Brazil, you will almost certainly hear this verb in the liturgy or the homily.

Journalism and News
When news reports cover major disasters or social crises, journalists often use this verb to describe the public's reaction. 'A comunidade internacional compadeceu-se da sorte dos refugiados'. It elevates the report from a mere statement of facts to a narrative of human connection.

Formal Speeches and Political Rhetoric also utilize compadecer-se. A politician might use it to show they are 'in touch' with the struggles of the working class, or a diplomat might use it when expressing condolences to another nation. It is a word that signals a high level of education and a sophisticated command of the language. In these contexts, it is often paired with words like 'profundamente' (deeply) to amplify the sentiment.

O presidente declarou que o governo se compadece da dor de todos os cidadãos afetados.

Finally, you will find it in legal and administrative contexts, particularly when someone is requesting a 'clemência' (clemency) or a 'atenuante' (mitigating factor). A lawyer might argue that the court should compadecer-se of the defendant's background. It is a powerful rhetorical tool used to appeal to the human element within rigid systems of rules.

Learning to use compadecer-se involves navigating a few grammatical and stylistic pitfalls. Because it is a more complex verb than your average 'falar' or 'comer', even intermediate learners can stumble. Here are the most frequent errors and how you can avoid them to sound more like a native speaker.

Omitting the Reflexive Pronoun
The most common mistake is saying 'Eu compadeço da situação'. This is incorrect. The verb is pronominal, so it must be 'Eu me compadeço'. Without the pronoun, the verb loses its reflexive nature and sounds unnatural or broken.

Errado: Ele compadeceu do amigo.
Correto: Ele se compadeceu do amigo.

Another frequent error involves the preposition. English speakers often want to use 'com' because they translate it as 'sympathize with'. However, in Portuguese, you compadecer-se de someone or something. Saying 'se compadecer com' is a common 'anglicismo' (English-influenced error) that you should avoid. Stick to 'de' and its contractions (do, da, dos, das).

Register Mismatch
Using this verb in a very casual setting can sound overly dramatic or 'stiff'. If a friend drops their ice cream, saying 'Eu me compadeço da sua perda' would likely be seen as a joke or a very sarcastic comment. For minor everyday mishaps, use 'Que pena!' or 'Sinto muito'. Save compadecer-se for significant suffering.

Confusing it with comparar (to compare) is also a trap for beginners due to the similar prefix 'com-'. Remember that compadecer is about 'paixão' (passion/suffering) and comparar is about 'par' (pair/equality). They have no linguistic connection. Finally, ensure you are conjugating the reflexive pronoun correctly to match the subject. 'Nós nos compadecemos' is the only correct form for 'we', not 'Nós se compadecemos'.

Errado: Nós se compadecemos dos pobres.
Correto: Nós nos compadecemos dos pobres.

Portuguese has several ways to express empathy and sympathy, ranging from the very informal to the highly academic. Knowing the nuances between compadecer-se and its synonyms will allow you to choose the exact right 'flavor' of compassion for any given situation.

Solidarizar-se vs. Compadecer-se
While compadecer-se is about feeling the same pain (emotion-based), solidarizar-se is about showing support or standing in solidarity (action/position-based). You might compadecer-se of a victim's pain, but you solidarizar-se with their cause or struggle.
Ter pena / Sentir dó
These are the everyday equivalents. 'Ter pena' is common in Portugal, while 'Sentir dó' is very common in Brazil. They are much less formal than compadecer-se. However, be careful: 'pena' can sometimes sound condescending, implying that you are looking down on the person you feel sorry for.

Em vez de dizer 'compadeço-me', num café diria: 'Fiquei com muita pena dele'.

Another alternative is comover-se (to be moved). This focuses more on the emotional impact on you rather than the pity for the other. If you cry during a sad movie, you are 'comovido'. If you see someone struggling and want to help because you feel their pain, you are 'compadecido'. There is also condoer-se, which is a near-perfect synonym for compadecer-se but even more formal and rare, often found only in legal documents or classical literature.

Lamentar
This means 'to regret' or 'to lament'. It is more about the situation than the shared feeling. 'Lamento o que aconteceu' (I regret what happened) is polite but lacks the deep emotional 'suffering with' that compadecer-se conveys.

In summary, choose compadecer-se when you want to express a noble, deep, and somewhat formal sympathy. Choose ter pena for everyday life, solidarizar-se for social or political support, and comover-se when you are personally touched by something beautiful or sad.

How Formal Is It?

豆知識

The root 'pati' also gives us the word 'patient'. So, a patient is someone who suffers, and to compadecer-se is to be a patient alongside them.

発音ガイド

UK /kõ.pɐ.ðɨ.ˈseɾ.sɨ/
US /kõ.pa.de.ˈseɾ.si/
The primary stress is on the penultimate syllable of the verb 'seR', but when the pronoun is attached, the stress remains on the verb's last syllable: com-pa-de-CER-se.
韻が合う語
esquecer-se arrepender-se convencer-se abster-se conter-se perder-se mover-se ver-se
よくある間違い
  • Pronouncing the 'c' like a 'k' (it should be an 's' sound).
  • Forgetting the nasal 'n' sound in 'com-'.
  • Stress on the 'pa' instead of the 'cer'.
  • Treating 'se' as a separate word with a strong stress.
  • In Portugal, not reducing the unstressed 'e' sounds enough.

難易度

読解 3/5

Easy to recognize if you know 'compaixão' or English 'compassion'.

ライティング 4/5

Tricky due to the reflexive pronoun and the mandatory 'de' preposition.

スピーキング 4/5

Requires correct pronoun placement and nasal vowel pronunciation.

リスニング 3/5

Clear pronunciation but can be fast in European Portuguese.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

pena dor sofrer compaixão sentir

次に学ぶ

solidarizar-se condoer-se misericórdia altruísmo empatia

上級

comiseração filantropia alteridade clemência indulgação

知っておくべき文法

Pronominal Verbs

Eu me compadeço, Tu te compadeces, Ele se compadece.

Prepositional Government (Regência Verbal)

Compadecer-se EXIGE a preposição 'de'.

Pronoun Placement (Próclise)

Usa-se antes do verbo com 'não': Não se compadeça.

Contraction of Prepositions

De + o = do; De + a = da; De + esse = desse.

Subjunctive Mood Triggers

Desejo que ele se compadeça (Subjunctive Present).

レベル別の例文

1

Eu me compadeço de você.

I feel sorry for you.

Uses 'me' for 'I'.

2

Ela se compadece do cachorro.

She feels sorry for the dog.

De + o = do.

3

Você se compadece dele?

Do you feel sorry for him?

De + ele = dele.

4

Nós nos compadecemos.

We feel pity.

Reflexive 'nos' for 'we'.

5

Eles se compadecem da situação.

They feel sorry about the situation.

De + a = da.

6

Não se compadeça de mim.

Don't feel sorry for me.

Negative command with 'se'.

7

Eu quero me compadecer.

I want to feel compassion.

Infinitive with 'me'.

8

Ela sempre se compadece.

She always feels pity.

Adverb 'sempre' before 'se'.

1

O menino se compadeceu do passarinho ferido.

The boy felt sorry for the injured bird.

Pretérito Perfeito (past tense).

2

Ninguém se compadeceu daquela mulher.

No one felt sorry for that woman.

'Ninguém' triggers the pronoun before the verb.

3

É bom se compadecer dos outros.

It is good to feel for others.

General statement using the infinitive.

4

Você se compadece da dor dela?

Do you sympathize with her pain?

Preposition 'da' (de + a).

5

Eles se compadeceram dos pobres da vila.

They felt sorry for the poor people of the village.

Plural past tense.

6

Eu me compadeço de quem sofre.

I feel for those who suffer.

'Quem' acts as the object of 'de'.

7

Ela não se compadece facilmente.

She doesn't feel pity easily.

Negative 'não' placement.

8

Precisamos nos compadecer uns dos outros.

We need to feel for one another.

Reflexive 'nos' with auxiliary 'precisamos'.

1

O público compadeceu-se da triste história do artista.

The public felt for the artist's sad story.

European Portuguese placement (ênclise).

2

Espero que você se compadeça do meu problema.

I hope you sympathize with my problem.

Subjunctive mood after 'espero que'.

3

Se ele se compadecesse, ajudaria mais.

If he felt more compassion, he would help more.

Imperfect subjunctive with conditional.

4

Muitos se compadecem, mas poucos agem.

Many feel pity, but few act.

Contrast between feeling and acting.

5

Ela compadeceu-se dele assim que o viu.

She felt for him as soon as she saw him.

Conjunction 'assim que' following the verb.

6

Não há quem não se compadeça desta criança.

There is no one who doesn't feel for this child.

Double negative structure.

7

O juiz pareceu compadecer-se da ré.

The judge seemed to feel for the defendant.

Infinitive after 'pareceu'.

8

Compadecer-se é uma virtude humana.

To feel compassion is a human virtue.

Verb used as a noun (subject).

1

Ao ler a carta, ele compadeceu-se profundamente do remetente.

Upon reading the letter, he felt deeply for the sender.

Use of adverb 'profundamente' for emphasis.

2

É difícil não se compadecer perante tal tragédia.

It is difficult not to feel compassion in the face of such tragedy.

'Perante' (in the face of) used as a prepositional phrase.

3

O governo deve compadecer-se das dificuldades dos cidadãos.

The government must sympathize with the citizens' difficulties.

Modal verb 'deve' followed by infinitive.

4

Ela sempre se compadecia das causas perdidas.

She always sympathized with lost causes.

Imperfect tense for habitual action.

5

A vizinhança compadeceu-se da viúva e trouxe-lhe comida.

The neighborhood felt for the widow and brought her food.

Compound sentence showing action following emotion.

6

Ninguém se compadeceria de um criminoso tão cruel.

No one would feel pity for such a cruel criminal.

Conditional tense.

7

Compadecendo-se dos animais, ela abriu um abrigo.

Feeling for the animals, she opened a shelter.

Gerund expressing cause.

8

Talvez eles se compadeçam se explicarmos tudo.

Maybe they will feel pity if we explain everything.

'Talvez' triggers the subjunctive.

1

A alma nobre compadece-se até dos seus inimigos.

The noble soul feels compassion even for its enemies.

Philosophical use of the verb.

2

O texto exorta o leitor a compadecer-se da condição humana.

The text exhorts the reader to feel for the human condition.

Academic/Literary register.

3

Oxalá o destino se compadeça da nossa jornada.

May fate feel for our journey.

'Oxalá' (I hope/May God grant) with subjunctive.

4

Não se compadecer da miséria alheia é sinal de frieza.

Not feeling for others' misery is a sign of coldness.

Infinitive phrase as a subject.

5

A história fará com que as gerações futuras se compadeçam de nós.

History will make future generations feel for us.

Future tense with 'fará com que' + subjunctive.

6

Compadecer-se não basta; é preciso agir com eficácia.

Feeling pity is not enough; it is necessary to act effectively.

Contrastive philosophical statement.

7

Ele compadeceu-se, conquanto soubesse que era em vão.

He felt pity, although he knew it was in vain.

Concessive conjunction 'conquanto'.

8

A tragédia grega visava fazer o público compadecer-se do herói.

Greek tragedy aimed to make the public feel for the hero.

Historical/Literary analysis context.

1

A ontologia do ser impele-nos a compadecer-nos da finitude.

The ontology of being impels us to feel for finitude.

Highly abstract/philosophical register.

2

Compadecer-se-ia o universo da nossa insignificância?

Would the universe feel for our insignificance?

Mesóclise (future conditional) - extremely formal.

3

A narrativa desdobra-se para que o leitor se compadeça da ambiguidade moral.

The narrative unfolds so that the reader feels for the moral ambiguity.

Literary theory context.

4

O niilismo impede que o indivíduo se compadeça do sofrimento intrínseco.

Nihilism prevents the individual from feeling for intrinsic suffering.

Philosophical critique.

5

É na capacidade de compadecer-se que reside a centelha do divino.

It is in the capacity to feel compassion that the spark of the divine resides.

Poetic/Theological register.

6

Pudesse o mundo compadecer-se, e as guerras findariam.

Could the world feel compassion, and wars would end.

Inverted 'se' clause with 'pudesse' (if only).

7

A frieza burocrática raramente se compadece das idiossincrasias individuais.

Bureaucratic coldness rarely feels for individual idiosyncrasies.

Sociological/Formal register.

8

Compadecemo-nos daquele que, no auge do poder, perde a sua humanidade.

We feel for him who, at the height of power, loses his humanity.

Moralizing formal discourse.

よく使う組み合わせ

compadecer-se da dor
compadecer-se da sorte
compadecer-se da miséria
não se compadecer
profundamente compadecido
compadecer-se do próximo
compadecer-se de alguém
sentir-se compadecido
pedir que se compadeça
coração que se compadece

よく使うフレーズ

Compadecer-se de coração

— To feel pity from the bottom of one's heart. Used to emphasize sincerity.

Compadeço-me de coração de todos os órfãos.

Não se compadecer de ninguém

— To have a heart of stone; to be completely indifferent to others' pain.

Aquele ditador não se compadece de ninguém.

Compadecer-se da desgraça alheia

— To feel for someone else's misfortune. A common moral phrase.

É uma virtude compadecer-se da desgraça alheia.

Se Deus se compadecer

— If God shows mercy. Often used in hopeful or desperate situations.

Se Deus se compadecer, a chuva virá logo.

Compadecer-se com lágrimas

— To be so moved by pity that one cries.

Ela compadeceu-se com lágrimas ao ouvir o relato.

Tardar em compadecer-se

— To take a long time to show mercy or empathy.

O patrão tardou em compadecer-se do empregado doente.

Compadecer-se da ignorância

— To feel sorry for someone's lack of knowledge or awareness.

Compadeço-me da ignorância de quem critica sem saber.

Fazer alguém compadecer-se

— To make someone feel pity or compassion.

O choro do bebê fez a vizinha compadecer-se.

Compadecer-se do destino

— To feel for the tragic path someone's life has taken.

Todos se compadeceram do destino do jovem poeta.

Saber compadecer-se

— To have the capacity or emotional intelligence to feel for others.

Poucos sabem compadecer-se verdadeiramente.

よく混同される語

compadecer-se vs comparar

Similar start, but 'comparar' means to compare things, while 'compadecer' is about feelings.

compadecer-se vs comprometer

Both start with 'com-', but 'comprometer' means to commit or compromise.

compadecer-se vs compendiar

A very rare verb meaning to summarize, easily confused by the 'compen-' sound.

慣用句と表現

"Ter um coração de manteiga"

— To have a 'butter heart,' meaning someone who gets moved or pities others very easily.

Ela tem um coração de manteiga; compadece-se de qualquer um.

informal
"Partir o coração"

— To break someone's heart. Often used when describing something that makes you compadecer-se.

Ver aquelas crianças parte o coração; é impossível não se compadecer.

neutral
"Lágrimas de crocodilo"

— Crocodile tears. False pity or fake compassion.

Não se deixe enganar; são lágrimas de crocodilo, ele não se compadece de verdade.

informal
"Coração de pedra"

— Heart of stone. Someone who never feels compadecer-se.

Ele tem um coração de pedra; nunca se compadeceu de ninguém.

informal
"Pôr-se no lugar do outro"

— To put oneself in someone else's shoes. The prerequisite for compadecer-se.

Se você se puser no lugar dele, vai se compadecer da situação.

neutral
"Fazer vista grossa"

— To turn a blind eye. The opposite of compadecer-se.

O mundo faz vista grossa e não se compadece da fome.

neutral
"Dar o braço a torcer"

— To give in or admit defeat. Sometimes used when someone finally shows compassion.

O juiz deu o braço a torcer e compadeceu-se do réu.

informal
"Ficar com o nó na garganta"

— To have a lump in one's throat. The physical feeling of starting to compadecer-se.

Fiquei com um nó na garganta e me compadeci da história.

informal
"Ser todo ouvidos"

— To be all ears. Showing readiness to listen and compadecer-se.

Conte-me tudo; sou todo ouvidos e compadeço-me do seu fardo.

informal
"Lavar as mãos"

— To wash one's hands of something. Refusing to compadecer-se or take responsibility.

Ele lavou as mãos e não se compadeceu do problema.

neutral

間違えやすい

compadecer-se vs padecer

It is the root of compadecer.

'Padecer' is to suffer yourself. 'Compadecer-se' is to feel the suffering of others.

Ele padece de uma doença. Eu me compadeço dele.

compadecer-se vs comover

Both involve emotions.

'Comover' is to be emotionally moved (can be happy or sad). 'Compadecer-se' is specifically about pity/compassion.

A música me comoveu. A fome me faz compadecer.

compadecer-se vs condoer

They are synonyms.

'Condoer-se' is much more archaic and formal than 'compadecer-se'.

O poeta condoeu-se da amada.

compadecer-se vs empatizar

Modern synonym.

'Empatizar' is clinical/modern. 'Compadecer-se' is traditional/emotional.

Tente empatizar com o colega.

compadecer-se vs solidarizar

Social context overlap.

'Solidarizar-se' implies shared action or support. 'Compadecer-se' is the internal feeling.

Solidarizo-me com a sua luta.

文型パターン

A1

Eu me compadeço de [pessoa].

Eu me compadeço de você.

A2

[Sujeito] se compadeceu de [algo].

Ele se compadeceu do gato.

B1

É difícil não se compadecer de [situação].

É difícil não se compadecer da pobreza.

B2

Ao [ver/ouvir], [sujeito] compadeceu-se de [objeto].

Ao ouvir a notícia, ela compadeceu-se dele.

C1

Oxalá [sujeito] se compadeça de [objeto].

Oxalá o mundo se compadeça de nós.

C2

Compadecer-se-ia [sujeito] de [objeto]?

Compadecer-se-ia a justiça da sua dor?

B1

Espero que você se compadeça.

Espero que você se compadeça da minha causa.

B2

Embora se compadeça, ele não ajuda.

Embora se compadeça, ele não ajuda ninguém.

語族

名詞

compaixão (compassion)
compadecimento (the act of feeling pity)
piedade (pity/piety)

動詞

compadecer (rarely used without the reflexive pronoun)
padecer (to suffer)

形容詞

compadecido (compassionate/pitying)
compassivo (compassionate)
impiedoso (pitiless)

関連

paixão
paciente
passivo
compatível
condolências

使い方

frequency

Medium. High in literature/media, low in casual street talk.

よくある間違い
  • Eu compadeço de você. Eu me compadeço de você.

    You forgot the reflexive pronoun 'me'. 'Compadecer-se' is always reflexive.

  • Ela se compadeceu com a criança. Ela se compadeceu da criança.

    You used 'com' instead of 'de'. In Portuguese, you feel pity 'of' someone, not 'with' them.

  • Nós se compadecemos. Nós nos compadecemos.

    The reflexive pronoun must match the subject. For 'nós', the pronoun is 'nos'.

  • Não compadeça-se. Não se compadeça.

    In negative sentences, the pronoun must move before the verb (próclise).

  • Eu me compadeço do meu erro. Eu me arrependo do meu erro.

    You use 'compadecer-se' for others' pain, not your own mistakes. For mistakes, use 'arrepender-se' (to repent/regret).

ヒント

Don't Forget the 'De'

Always follow the verb with the preposition 'de'. If you miss it, the sentence sounds like it's missing a limb to a native speaker.

Use for Impact

Save this word for when you want to sound truly moved. Using it for small things like a broken pencil makes you sound overly dramatic.

Pronoun Placement

If you are in Portugal, put 'se' after. In Brazil, put it before. This is the quickest way to sound like you belong in either place.

Learn the Family

Learn 'compaixão' at the same time. They are two sides of the same coin and often appear together in texts.

Shared Pain

Remember: COM (with) + PADE (pain) + CER (verb ending). To be 'with pain' for someone.

Religious Reading

If you want to see this word in action, read a Portuguese Bible or a religious blog. It is used constantly in those contexts.

The Nasal 'O'

The first 'o' in 'compadecer' is nasal. Make sure air goes through your nose when you say it, or it will sound like 'co-padacer'.

Formal Letters

This is a great word to use when writing to a charity or a government official to express concern about a social issue.

Watch the News

News anchors love this word during tragedy reports. Listen for it to see how they use it to set a serious tone.

Subject-Object

Remember: The person FEELING is the subject. The person SUFFERING is the object after 'de'. 'Eu (subject) me compadeço dele (object)'.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of 'COM-PASSION'. The 'COM' means with, and 'PADE' sounds like 'pain'. So, 'COM-PADE-CER' is to be 'WITH PAIN' for someone else.

視覚的連想

Imagine two hearts connected by a bridge. When one heart turns blue with sadness, the other heart turns blue too because it 'compadece'.

Word Web

compaixão sofrimento empatia ajuda misericórdia piedade solidariedade emoção

チャレンジ

Try to write three sentences about a news event using 'compadecer-se'. Make sure to use 'se' and 'de' correctly in each one.

語源

Derived from the Latin 'compati', which is a combination of 'cum' (with) and 'pati' (to suffer). It shares the same root as the English 'compassion' and 'compatible'.

元の意味: To suffer along with someone else; to share in their passion or pain.

Romance (Latin-based).

文化的な背景

Be careful when using this with people who value their independence; some might find being the object of 'pity' (piedade) or 'compadecimento' as a sign of weakness.

While English uses 'sympathize' or 'pity', 'compadecer-se' feels slightly more formal and 'soulful', similar to 'to have one's heart go out to someone'.

O Auto da Compadecida (The Compassionate Woman's Play) - A famous Brazilian play/film by Ariano Suassuna. Sermão da Sexagésima by Padre António Vieira - A classic of Portuguese rhetoric discussing divine compassion. The works of José Saramago often explore the lack of 'compadecimento' in modern society.

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

Charity/Humanitarianism

  • Compadecer-se dos necessitados
  • Campanha para nos compadecermos
  • Ação movida pelo compadecimento
  • Coração voltado a se compadecer

Personal Tragedy

  • Compadeço-me da sua perda
  • Impossível não se compadecer
  • Compadecer-se do sofrimento
  • Sinto que devo me compadecer

Legal/Justice

  • Compadecer-se das circunstâncias
  • O tribunal compadeceu-se
  • Pedido para se compadecer
  • Fatores que levam a se compadecer

Religion

  • Deus se compadece de nós
  • Compadecer-se do próximo
  • Oração para se compadecer
  • Exemplo de Cristo ao se compadecer

Literature

  • O narrador compadece-se
  • Personagem que se compadece
  • Compadecer-se do destino trágico
  • A obra faz-nos compadecer

会話のきっかけ

"Você costuma se compadecer facilmente das histórias que vê no telejornal?"

"Qual foi a última vez que você se compadeceu de alguém na rua?"

"Você acha que as pessoas hoje em dia se compadecem menos do que antigamente?"

"É possível se compadecer de alguém que cometeu um erro grave?"

"Como podemos ensinar as crianças a se compadecerem dos outros?"

日記のテーマ

Descreva uma situação em que você se compadeceu de um estranho e o que você fez a respeito.

Reflita sobre a diferença entre 'ter pena' e 'compadecer-se'. Qual sentimento é mais produtivo?

Escreva sobre um personagem de um livro ou filme de quem você se compadeceu profundamente.

A sociedade moderna está perdendo a capacidade de se compadecer? Justifique sua resposta.

Como o ato de se compadecer muda a sua perspectiva sobre os seus próprios problemas?

よくある質問

10 問

Not usually in casual chat. You are more likely to hear 'ter pena' or 'ficar com dó'. However, you will see it in news, books, and formal speeches frequently. It is a 'B1' level word because it is essential for understanding more sophisticated Portuguese.

It is generally considered incorrect. The standard preposition is 'de'. While some people might use 'com' in informal speech due to English influence, you should use 'de' to be grammatically correct. Example: 'Compadeço-me da (de + a) sua situação'.

In modern Portuguese, the verb is almost exclusively pronominal (reflexive). Using 'compadecer' without the 'se' is very rare and usually archaic. Always use the reflexive pronoun to sound natural and correct.

It is a regular -er verb. For 'I': 'Eu me compadeci'. For 'He/She': 'Ele/Ela se compadeceu'. For 'We': 'Nós nos compadecemos'. For 'They': 'Eles se compadeceram'. Remember the 'se' stays!

The meaning is identical. The main difference is pronoun placement. In Brazil, people say 'se compadecer'. In Portugal, it is 'compadecer-se' (unless there is a word like 'não' or 'que' before it).

Yes, absolutely. You can 'compadecer-se' of any living being that is suffering. Example: 'Ela se compadeceu do passarinho com a asa partida'.

The most common related noun is 'compaixão' (compassion). There is also 'compadecimento', but it is much less common than 'compaixão'.

Yes, it is associated with sadness, but it's also a 'noble' word because it describes a positive human quality: the ability to care about others' pain.

No. For that, use 'Desculpe' or 'Sinto muito'. 'Compadecer-se' is for when someone else is suffering, not for your own errors.

Yes, 'não se compadecer'. It describes someone who is cold-hearted or indifferent. Example: 'Ele não se compadece de ninguém'.

自分をテスト 200 問

writing

Escreva uma frase usando 'compadecer-se' no presente para 'nós'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Transforme a frase 'Eu tenho pena dele' usando o verbo formal.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Use o verbo no pretérito perfeito para 'ela'.

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Crie uma frase negativa com o verbo.

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writing

Escreva uma frase no subjuntivo pedindo compaixão.

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writing

Use o verbo no futuro do presente.

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Crie uma frase usando o gerúndio.

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Escreva uma frase sobre um animal usando o verbo.

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Use o verbo em uma frase condicional (se...).

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Escreva sobre uma notícia fictícia usando o verbo.

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Crie uma frase usando o infinitivo pessoal.

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Escreva uma frase literária curta.

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Use o verbo no pretérito mais-que-perfeito.

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writing

Crie um diálogo curto de duas linhas.

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writing

Escreva uma frase usando 'compadecido' como adjetivo.

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writing

Use o verbo no imperativo formal.

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writing

Escreva uma frase sobre justiça social.

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writing

Crie uma frase usando 'quem' como sujeito.

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writing

Use o verbo no futuro do pretérito.

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writing

Escreva uma frase sobre a natureza.

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speaking

Pronuncie 'compadecer-se' focando no som nasal 'com'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Diga: 'Eu me compadeço da sua dor' com entonação sincera.

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speaking

Diga a frase negativa: 'Ele não se compadece'.

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Pratique a forma plural: 'Nós nos compadecemos'.

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Diga em voz alta: 'É preciso se compadecer'.

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Pronuncie a forma do passado: 'Eles se compadeceram'.

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Faça uma pergunta: 'Você se compadece dele?'

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Diga a frase literária: 'O mar parece se compadecer'.

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Pratique a mesóclise (formal): 'Compadecer-me-ei'.

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Diga: 'Ela compadeceu-se da criança' (sotaque de Portugal).

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Diga: 'Ela se compadeceu da criança' (sotaque do Brasil).

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speaking

Pronuncie 'compaixão' e 'compadecer' em sequência.

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Diga: 'Não te compadeças do traidor'.

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speaking

Pratique o subjuntivo: 'Que eles se compadeçam'.

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Diga: 'Sinto-me profundamente compadecido'.

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speaking

Repita três vezes rápido: 'Se compadece, se compadece, se compadece'.

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speaking

Diga: 'Compadecer-se é um ato de amor'.

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speaking

Diga: 'O coração se compadece'.

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speaking

Pronuncie a forma 'compadecêssemos'.

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speaking

Diga: 'Ninguém se compadece mais'.

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listening

Ouça e identifique o sujeito: 'Nos compadecemos da história'.

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listening

Ouça e identifique o tempo: 'Ela se compadeceu'.

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listening

Ouça a frase e diga se é positiva ou negativa: 'Ninguém se compadece'.

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listening

Identifique o objeto: 'Compadeço-me daquela senhora'.

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listening

Ouça e identifique o modo: 'Espero que ele se compadeça'.

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listening

Qual palavra você ouviu? (compadecer/comparar)

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listening

Identifique o pronome: 'Tu te compadeces'.

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Ouça e diga se é singular ou plural: 'Eles se compadecem'.

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listening

Identifique a preposição: 'Compadeceu-se do animal'.

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listening

Ouça e complete a frase: 'É difícil não se ___'.

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listening

Ouça: 'Sinto-me compadecido'. Qual o estado do falante?

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listening

Ouça: 'Não se compadeçam'. É um pedido ou uma ordem?

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listening

Identifique o verbo raiz: 'Compadecimento'.

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Ouça e identifique a pessoa: 'Me compadeço'.

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Qual som é mais forte no final de 'compadecer'?

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/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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